What you’ll learn:
- Setting clear, achievable weight loss goals and milestones keeps you motivated and boosts your chances of success.
- Consistently tracking your weight loss using a combination of methods, such as weigh-ins, body measurements, and photos, shows whether your efforts are effective.
- Focusing on long-term trends rather than daily weight changes helps you accurately assess your progress.
When you’re on a weight loss journey, you’re likely making a lot of big lifestyle changes. But how can you tell if what you’re doing is actually working? That’s where tracking your progress comes in.
But tracking your weight loss isn’t just about the numbers on the scale; it’s also about staying motivated and noticing how your body is changing. By keeping an eye on your progress, you’re more likely to stick to your goals and make those changes last.
There are many ways to monitor your progress, from simple methods like regular weigh-ins to more advanced techniques like body measurements and regular photos. Noom is designed to give you the tools and support to help you stay on course and reach your goals.
Setting weight loss goals and milestones (Add anchored link)
When you embark on a weight loss journey, having a clear goal is the best way to start. Taking the time to think about what you want to achieve will help you in the long run. Having an idea of where you want to get to provides a roadmap and helps you celebrate progress along the way.
Why should I set weight loss goals?
Setting clear goals is crucial for staying motivated. Without them, it’s easy to lose motivation. If you don’t tie your progress to targets, every step of your plan can feel like a chore. When you have clear, achievable milestones, you’re more likely to stay committed to your plan.
The thing is, weight loss isn’t just about movement on the scale. Losing weight in the long term requires permanent changes in the way you live and think. That’s why Noom’s approach combines psychology with personalized coaching to help you understand your relationship with food and create new healthy habits.
How do I set realistic weight loss goals?
Setting specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals— aka S.M.A.R.T. goals—can boost your chances of success. We will guide you through that process step-by-step.
How much you should aim to lose will depend on your starting weight, BMI, and personal goals. In general, a gradual weight loss of one to two pounds per week is achievable and sustainable. If you’re unsure about how much weight it’s safe for you to lose, consult with your clinician.
Real results with a personalized weight loss program
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What are good milestones to set for weight loss?
Milestones can go beyond just numbers on a scale. Consider setting goals related to your energy levels or your ability to perform certain physical activities. For example, you could aim to:
- Feel more energetic and less sluggish when you wake up in the morning
- Notice increased stamina throughout the day
- Increase the distance you can walk without feeling fatigued
- Hike that trail with ease that you previously found difficult
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so celebrate each small victory along the way!
How does Noom assist in setting personalized weight loss goals?
Noom uses your personal data and preferences to help set realistic goals tailored to your needs. We provide tools for tracking progress, offer weekly challenges, and deliver educational content to support your efforts. This personalized approach helps you create a sustainable path to weight loss.
How to track weight loss progress
When it comes to tracking your weight loss, having the right tools and methods can make all the difference. Effectively tracking weight loss involves a combination of methods to ensure accuracy and maintain motivation. Here are some of the most reliable methods:
Daily:
- Weigh yourself
- We recommend stepping on the scale daily because it can help you spot trends. For some, weekly weigh-ins might reduce anxiety about natural daily fluctuations.
- Weigh yourself at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking. Also, use Noom’s weight logging tool to quickly record your weigh-in and compare it to your goal.
- Use a reliable digital scale or a smart scale that can sync with Noom.
- Keep in mind that weight fluctuations are normal and you should take an average of your last three weigh-ins.
- Log your food and activity
- Logging what you eat and how much you move helps you stay accountable and make necessary adjustments in real time. Using Noom’s food logging tool will make tracking your meals easier than ever.
- Noom has an easy-to-use exercise logging tool that will help you keep track of when you’ve been exercising, how long you’ve been exercising, and the distance (if applicable).
Weekly:
- Look for trends
- Look for trends over time – rather than day-to-day changes – to get a clearer picture of your progress. Ask yourself if you notice any upward or downward trends, or general improvements in weight, exercise frequency, or stress levels.
Monthly:
- Take measurements:
- Measure at the same time of day and under the same conditions for consistency.
- Track measurements of your waist, hips, chest, arms, and thighs with a tape measure.
- Take progress photos:
- Take photos from different angles (front, side, and back) at regular intervals.
- Wear the same clothes and use the same lighting and angles for consistency.
As recommended:
- See how your clothes fit:
- Note how your clothes fit over time. Tighter or looser clothing can indicate changes in body size that don’t show on the scale.
- Track other health markers:
- Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor overall health improvements. Most people get a check-up yearly, but your doctor may recommend more frequent check-ups if you have any health conditions that require additional monitoring.
- Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels to track improvements in health alongside weight loss.
- Seek professional guidance:
- Consult with a healthcare provider, coach, nutritionist, or personal trainer for personalized tracking and advice.
Just one measurement doesn’t always show the full picture of your body changes. Combining methods provides a more comprehensive view of your progress, helping you stay motivated and adjust your plan as needed.
Noom will provide you with personalized tools to track your progress, along with the guidance and feedback you need to achieve your weight loss or maintenance goals.
Your path to sustainable weight loss
Tracking your weight loss progress is more than just watching numbers change on a scale—it’s about understanding your body and making lasting changes. By staying on top of your habits and setting realistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
Remember, it’s not about the day-to-day weight fluctuations. It’s about gaining insights into your behaviors and building sustainable habits. Noom takes this approach to the next level, offering personalized tools and science-backed strategies that help you understand the ‘why’ behind your weight loss goals. The app’s tracking features make it easy to monitor your progress regularly. Start your journey confidently, knowing you have all the support you need to become a healthier you.
