The bathroom scales measure our weight - and our self-esteem. But are they a good indicator of health?
With much media focus on obesity and weight, women are constantly under pressure to achieve a universally promoted perfect size. It seems, these days, the bathroom scales measure not only our weight but also our self-esteem. Have our health goals become misguided by a preconceived notion of the perfect body weight? More importantly, what do the scales really tell us about our health?
The scales
Measuring body weight is a quick and simple way of providing a broad picture of our health. Gabrielle Tuscher, a registered dietitian at OT&P medical centre, explains that the scales are especially useful for individuals suffering from comorbidities (conditions that exist at the same time as a primary condition in a patient) associated with their weight.
Severely under- or overweight people are at high risk of secondary illnesses, so regularly keeping track of their weight can help in achieving a healthy body.
But it is a less obvious indicator of health for people whose weight is within an accepted range.