Ok, ok…so maybe you shouldn't throw your scale out, but I want you to understand that your body weight is only a small part of what you should be monitoring when working at reversing insulin resistance. Frankly, your body weight is a crappy way of determining your health, if that's all you're relying on.
When you read forums, watch television reality shows or talk to friends, I'd be suprised if you didn't hear talk about weight as THE marker when determining how your weight loss is proceeding. However, although your weight is one way to monitor your health, it is far from the only way.
Let's talk about some other markers to monitor insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
1. Body Fat Percentage
More important than body weight is body fat. The greater your percentage of body fat, the more sick your body will be. There are now scales that you can purchase that will calculate your body fat. By monitoring your body fat percentages, you will understand how your body is losing (or not losing) body fat.
2. Body Measurements
Since risk factors increase with accumulation of weight in specific areas of your body (most notably your midsection), measurement using a cloth measuring tape can provide you with a good understanding of your progress.
3. Hemoglobin A1C
This blood test provides you with an objective measurement of your average blood sugar levels over a 2-3 month period of time. Those with a1c levels increasing into the range of 5,7 and above, need to monitor themselves on a more regular basis. This is vital to monitor for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
4. Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure is a measurement that can be used to determine the health of your cardovasular system. Often those with higher blood pressure have the development of endothelial dysfunction. This is when the linings in the blood vessels lose their elasticity and become much tighter and less giving.
So, although I may be joking about throwing your bathroom scale out, I want you to keep in mind that your overall body weight is only one small part of the overall picture. By using other markers, you'll gain a much better understadning of your health.