Understanding Weight Measurement for Individuals with Obesity: A Guide

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is considered obese when that person's weight is above what is considered healthy. Once this occurs, it is considered a disease that could cause an array of health issues and that needs medical help and a plan to reduce the person's weight to a healthy number. In order to address the health of the obese person, that person's weight needs to be continually checked. Though standard bathroom scales don't measure past 300 pounds, many new models are made for the purpose of supporting an obese person.

Things You'll Need

• Scale up to 500 pounds
• Arm support
• Mirror
• Pen
• Paper
• Weight Calculator

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a bathroom scale that is made to support an obese person. Choose a scale that measures up to 500 pounds, and choose one with features like arm rests, a foldaway seat or a weight indicator that is slanted in order to help you view it.

• 2

  Place the scale near a counter or some sturdy object that you can use to support the person as you climb onto the scale.

• 3

  Hold a mirror out in front of you and slanted downward, to view the weight indicator. This is a convenient method for someone who has stomach fat that extends out too far for her to view the weight indicator.

• 4

  Use the sturdy object for support as you lower yourself off the scale. Record your weight and keep track of how much you lose or gain.

• 5

  Once you know your weight, plug that into a weight calculator along with your height to find out your body mass index (BMI). This number will let you know how much fat you need to lose before you are no longer considered obese.