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DEBATE: To Toss, or Not to Toss?

DEBATE: To Toss, or Not to Toss?

If you lost a pound for every study that told you something new about weight loss, than you would be a skinny-Minnie by now, huh?

And, just like those theories, there also happen to be a few out there about scales and their effectiveness in helping you lose weight. Some studies suggest that a scale may thwart weight loss efforts, causing dieters to put too much emphasis on numbers. But others groups, like Weight Watchers, stroke that scale’s ego, claiming that it is a key factor in keeping the pounds off for good.

Here’s where we need you to weigh-in (hee, hee!): Do you think a scale is a necessary weight loss tool or would you rather use the fit of your jeans as a measure of your progress? We want to hear from you—so share your thoughts in our comments! [Good Housekeeping]

Posted: 7/17/08
carolineshannon

VBianchini - I agree with you - scales have never been something by which I like to measure my weight or health. Every once and awhile out of curiosity, maybe, but never on an everyday basis. I have seen plenty of thin people who have a high BMI because of poor eating habits. And, on the flipside, I have known people who have lost weight, but gained muscle which registers them at higher weight. But their jeans sure do look great! I'm going with the jeans measurement and a clean bill of health -- that's how I measure my progress!

VictoriaB

I'm not a big fan of scales. Except ones in hospitals and then you should see me taking off as much as I can to get an accurate reading. And then, of course, I move those weights back.

I'm more a jeans test person. If I can't close the button I know I'm in trouble.