Finding the Right Scale for Your Goals

Tracking your weight is part of the weight loss program for many people. Weighing yourself every day is linked to benefits. For example, a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics looked at weight loss and compared it to how often participants weighed themselves. Daily weigh-ins were linked to increased weight loss.

In this article: 

• The right bathroom scale can make weight loss easier
• Digital scales can be more accurate than analog scales (and easier to read)
• Some scales have additional features like BMI or body fat readings
• Some scales sync to your phone. This can make weight loss coaching easier!

To track weight, you need to have a scale, but there are so many to choose from! Which is best for you?

These are 9 considerations when finding the right scale for your goals:

1. Digital vs Analog

Analog scales are like analog watches. They have a pointer that indicates your weight. Digital scales are like digital watches. They flash your weight on a screen. Digital scales can be easier to read, but they require batteries or another source of power. The batteries in a digital scale should last for a long time.

2. Accuracy 

You want to be able to trust the measurement every time you weigh yourself. Many scales are accurate to the nearest 0.2 lb. or 0.1 kg. Just check on the box or in the manual before you purchase the scale.

3. Syncs to Your Phone

Tracking weight loss means recording your weight over time. Some scales can automatically send your weight to your phone each time you weigh yourself. That means you do not need to write the number down yourself or check the scale later to see what your weight was.

4. Weight Limits

Some scales have a weight limit of 250 lb. Others are "high-capacity" and go up to 400 lb. Some scales have a weight limit between 250 and 400 lb. And medical scales may have higher maximum weights. 

Be sure to check the capacity of the scale. If your weight is close to 250 lb. or higher, you may need to check more carefully.

5. Memory

Will you be weighing yourself weekly? Daily? That is a lot of numbers to record! A scale with memory can keep those weights handy. Otherwise, you might want to look for a scale that automatically syncs with your phone.

6. Other measurements

Some scales also estimate your body fat percentage. This can be motivating, especially on days or weeks when weight does not go down. You might see that you are gaining muscle compared to body fat. That is a healthy change.

7. Price

Scales can range from under $10 to over $200. You want an adequate scale, but not to pay for more than you need. Lark DPP comes with a scale that is digital and wireless. Your health insurance may cover Lark free of cost to you.

8. Easy to Use

Losing weight can be difficult. Weighing yourself should be easy. You may need to tare or "zero" the scale before getting your final reading. Or, the scale can be auto-calibrated. That means you will only need to step on it once when you weigh yourself.

Some scales may ask you to program them when you start. You may need to enter information such as your age, gender, and height. This can be hard for some people. It can be easy for others. If it is hard for you, a simpler scale that does not need to be programmed may be better.

9. Display

The display shows you your weight. It also shows any other information in the scale. That could include date, time, and previous weight. Body fat is another possible measurement.

The display should be easy to read. The contrast needs to be high enough for you to see. The size of the numbers should be big. Black on blue or grey, blue on black, or white on a black background are all possible. See which is best for you.

Tracking weight loss is part of the weight loss journey. It requires a good scale. The best scale for tracking weight loss is accurate and easy to use. It can be your partner as you monitor progress and stay accountable.

A digital scale that connects to your phone can make tracking simpler. That way, you can see your weight history and trends. A weight loss tracker and coach can use your weight data to help you lose more weight. Lark Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) connects your weigh-in data with diet, exercise, and other choices. You can get personalized coaching.

The Lark DPP and a connected scale may be available at no cost to you if your health insurer participates! Click here to find out if you may be eligible for Lark. You could be minutes away from losing weight and improving health.