When it comes to getting healthy and a better shape, scales are not always the best indication of how you are going. Some people who are trying to lose weight find that they are losing inches but not weight and get a bit worried. Well, today we are here to show you that the scales are not the only way to show that you are getting healthier and that using a tape measure can help show you how all the hard work you are doing is paying off. The best mindset to get in is one that you are trying to lose fat instead of weight.

Why You Are Losing Inches Instead of Weight

Why am I losing inches and not weight? Well here are some of the most common reasons as to why you may be looking better and feeling better, but not seeing much of a change when you jump on the scales.

• Scales are not 100% accurate: Scales are funny things. In theory, you simply step on it, it tells you what you weigh and you get off. However, scales can be far from accurate and many things can make them give a less than accurate reason. Are you wearing clothes? Have you eaten before you stepped on them? Is the surface the scale is on flat? Are you wearing shoes? There are many, many different factors that can alter the number a set of scales shows you and that is not even taking into consideration that there could be something wrong with them from a technical point of view. Bottom line is: do not put all your faith into the number you see on the scales! If you feel better and look better, do not worry what the scales are telling you.

• Gaining muscle: A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. This is a fact that many people obsessed with weight loss ignore. If you are exercising, be it doing some kind of weight training or taking a few exercise classes, you are not just burning off that fat. If you are building muscle at around the same speed you are losing weight, the scales will not reflect this.

• Visceral fat loss: Getting rid of visceral fat from your abdomen is not only going to make you smaller in size but also going to make you much healthier in general. The visceral fat loss is great, but not many people realize that it is happening because it does not show up on the scales.

• Non-fat weight loss: Cutting back and burning fat is not the only way to get in better shape and be more confident about the way that you look. If you are still asking can you lose inches and not weight for other reasons, the answer is yes, by burning and cutting out carbs. We are not saying go on one of those intense carb-free diets. However, if you do, you will notice your body is getting smaller, but the scales may not be changing all that much.

Best Ways to Track the Changes in Your Body

If you are losing inches but not weight we want to congratulate you and tell you to keep working hard as you are on the right track. But we do have a few suggestions for you as to how you can keep an eye on the changes your hard work is making to your body.

• Measure your body fat: The easiest way to do this at home is getting someone to help and using calipers. This will let you know what percentage of body fat you have and then you can measure again at a later date to see how your exercise and dieting is paying off. There are other methods out there, but calipers are the easiest and cheapest way to get an accurate reading.

• Take your measurements: This is a great way for you to find out the answer to why am I losing inches and not weight? Many people will just do their waist, hips, and thighs. But we suggest getting really into it and doing your bust, chest, calves and your arms. It is a great way to boost your motivation when you can actually see your work paying off.

• Look at your clothes: Getting a new wardrobe is one of the best things about getting healthy. You can use your clothes to see how your body is getting in better shape. Look for them being looser around the midsection, thighs, and arms. You will know better than anyone if a certain pair of pants or top does not fit like it used to.

• Use scales the right way: Scales are not the best way to track your body's journey. However, if you absolutely must use them make sure you are doing it properly. Ensure they work right, you are not wearing lots of clothes, and try and weigh yourself at the same time each week.

If you have been losing inches but not weight then we give you a big high five for your awesome progress. As we said the scales are not the be all and end all of getting a healthier body. For many people, scales can be a really demoralizing thing to have to deal with. Instead of focusing on a number a set of scales show you, focus on how better you feel, how your clothes are hanging off your body and how you can actually see your body changing shape.