Scale Anxiety Is Rising — Why Weight Loss Success Isn’t Defined by the Scales

With around 33 million overweight or obese adults in the UK, alongside research suggesting that over half (54%) of the nation hope to lose weight in the next 12 months, health experts are warning of an increase in people suffering with “scale anxiety”. 

Research from weight management clinic myBMI has highlighted that one in three Brits gained weight in 2025. This is leading to people fixating on the numbers on the scales, with one in 10 people across the country weighing themselves every day.  

Young adults (18-24) are the most impacted age group, with over more than one in 10 (16%) tracking their weight daily. This has led to concerns that a focus on numbers is clouding people from acknowledging and celebrating health improvements in other areas.  

Ayesha Bashir, weight loss expert and Prescribing Pharmacist at myBMI offers her advice on how people can prioritise their weight loss journey without fixating on the numbers on the scales: 

“Seeing the numbers go down on the scales is a huge victory for many people on a weight loss journey. However, it’s important to remember that success isn’t limited to the number on your scales.  

“The mental, lifestyle, and other physical changes are equally important, and weighing yourself on a daily basis can actually just hinder your progress and reduce your motivation if you don’t see big changes” 

“It is incredibly normal for your weight to change every day, whether it be water retention, the time of day, your activity levels or hormone changes or where women are in their menstrual cycle. Daily weight fluctuations are very rarely a true reflection of your weight.  

“While it is often easy to associate weight loss with numerical figures, the non-scale victories can be a much better indication of your overall health and progress: 

1. More comfortable clothing: A lot of people who want to lose weight do so for physical reasons such as better and more comfortable fitting clothes, and this can be one of the key non-scale victories you can track.  

2. Better sleep: Alongside this, with weight loss you will often see a massive improvement in your quality of sleep. Sleep apnoea is a big issue for a lot of people that are overweight or obese too, so losing weight can have a huge impact on not just your quality of sleep but quality of life. Tracking your sleep quality through a wearable device or even through note-taking will demonstrate one of these key non-scale victories.  

3. Increased energy: Losing weight can dramatically improve your energy levels by reducing the amount of excess weight you’re carrying and improving cardiovascular health. Keeping an exercise log will demonstrate the progress you’re making on your weight loss journey, but this will also help in your wider life, whether it be finding more energy to play with your kids or spending time with friends and family.  

4. Improved Confidence: Regardless of what the scales say, you are likely to feel more confidence if you are losing weight and this is one of the biggest changes people often notice. Whether it’s off your face or waist, focusing on improvements of how confident you feel in your own skin is one of the best indications of how far you have come.  

5. Better mood: A study suggests that 82% of people have reduced symptoms of depression when losing 5% or more of their body weight. The mental health improvements associated with weight loss can be hugely beneficial whether it is at work or in your personal life, being in a better mood will lead to increased motivation to keep you on your journey.  

6. Other physical changes: The physical changes you may notice on your weight loss journey are not restricted to your waist-line. A reduction in stress, body mass and a better hormonal balance can reduce your acne and the amount you sweat, and a better diet can improve your overall hair and nail health.  

“A weight loss journey is about so much more than the weight you see on your scales. The physical, mental and lifestyle wins associated with weight are often far more important that the numerical changes you see.  

“Remember, weight loss is not linear and gradual improvements in lifestyle, diet and exercise will see long-term gains for your physical and mental health, not just small changes to a number on a set of scales. 

“Focusing on non-scale victories will keep you moving in the right direction. If you are on a medicated weight loss journey, remember that stopping abruptly can lead to weight regain and rebounder hunger, and you should always consult with your prescriber before making any decisions about your medication.” 

As one of the top lifestyle magazines in the UK, Crave brings you fresh ideas on food, health and travel.