For some women the best way to keep track of their progress is to document it. Some women will actually not lose weight initially but will start building muscle when they start exercising. Because of this it is important that you not simply check the scale, but also take your measurements and note how well your clothes are fitting.

Muscle actually weighs more than fat, thus it is possible that you will end up thinner, but heavier than you were before you got pregnant.

Calculating BMI

One of the best ways to measure your weight loss progress is to keep track of your Body Mass Index. Your BMI is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. It applies to both men and women.

The following guidelines generally apply with regard to BMI:

• Underweight = BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight = BMI between 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = BMI between 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

How do you calculate your BMI? Check out the Center for Disease Control’s Body Mass Calculator at:

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm