Tracking the Non-Scale Victories

Posted By: Mary Gregg, R.D.
Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services at Nutrisystem

The rewards that come with weight loss are numerous, with just one of them being a lower number on the scale. Many Nutrisystem members cheerfully report to our Counselors and on our Discussion Boards what we call Non-Scale Victories (NSV). This term describes successes that cannot be measured on the scale. Some NSV can be even more meaningful and rewarding than lost pounds.

For example, one member reported on the Discussion Board recently: “A big Non-Scale Victory for me today. My Fasting Blood Sugar this morning was 91! It hasn’t been that low in a long, long time. I credit the Nutrisystem D plan I’m on. WooHoo.” (This is why Nutrisystem advises that you contact your doctor prior to going on the program as a change in your diet and/or your weight can affect your blood sugars as well as your medication dosage as early as the first day!) Another member, Cheryl, reported that her blood sugars have not been this good for a long time. *

One member wrote that since I lost weight “I no longer have the horrible swelling pain in my feet.”

Some of us have experienced the frustration of the scale not changing after days of watching portions and consistent exercise. Fluid retention, hormonal changes, and medications can all affect weight. When the scale is not moving in the right direction, even though you are working hard to make that happen, these NSV let you know that you are still making progress. We encourage our members to take their measurements, since the tape measure can show improvements when the scale does not. The scale only gives us one number which does not indicate how much of the weight is fat or muscle or how much is water. For instance, a loss of fat coupled with a gain of muscle may result in no change on the scale, but smaller measurements and the better fit of your clothes constitute non-scale victories.

How many non-scale victories have you observed since starting your weight loss journey with Nutrisystem?

Increased energy?

More endurance to exercise longer?

Improved sleep?

More self confidence?

Greater sense of accomplishment?

Pat yourself on the back! And keep tracking the NSV’s.

*In a clinical study, those on Nutrisystem D, lowered fasting blood sugar levels from 149.5 to 115.2, compared to the control group, who lowered fasting blood sugar levels from 151.4 to 144. Go to www.nutriystem.com for further study results.