Take your measurements every 2–4 weeks. [2] X Research source Other common parts of your body you can measure include your bicep, chest, hips, and thighs. [3] X Research source Taking your measurements is a better way to record your weight since your waistline gets smaller as you work out. Since muscle weighs more than fat, only recording your weight may make it seem like you’re not making progress as you get more fit.

Pinch the skin between your finger and thumb and clip the calipers on to take your measurements. Position the jaws of the calipers about 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0. 64–1. 27 cm) from where you’re pinching the skin with your fingers. Try taking the measurements 2–3 times to ensure you get an accurate read. Body fat percentage depends on the sum of your measurements as well as your age and gender. You can find tables to calculate your body fat percentage here: https://www. quickmedical. com/downloads/lange-skinfold-caliper-manual. pdf.

Wait 1 month before you take pictures again to see if you’ve lost weight. Wear the same clothes in each of your photos so the changes in your figure are more noticeable.

Try clothes on every 1–2 weeks so you can keep better track of any weight changes.

You’ll also feel like you’ve found a consistent groove and routine if you’re losing weight.

This method usually works best for weighing smaller objects. It’s tricky to measure your body weight with water displacement test since you need a tub deep enough to submerge your entire body without overflowing.

See-saws are basically large balance scales that will stay level if the weight is even on each side. [9] X Research source This method might be a little impractical since you’ll have to take multiple weights to a park or playground to use a see-saw.

BIA isn’t the most accurate since physical activity, hydration, and temperatures can affect the readings. Getting a BIA from a doctor or weight specialist is the most accurate, but you can buy a scale with BIA technology to use at home.

Bod Pods are still relatively new so they aren’t widely accessible.

You can get a DXA scan at a hospital or a university if they have the proper equipment. DXA scans take around 10–15 minutes to complete. You’ll get the most accurate results if you’re well-hydrated and haven’t eaten within 3 hours of the scan. [13] X Research source