Changing Weight Units in MyFitnessPal
For many MyFitnessPal users, adjusting the measurement units from the metric system (kilograms) to the imperial system (pounds) is a necessary step for accurate tracking. This can be due to moving to a country that uses imperial units or simply a personal preference. Fortunately, the process is quick and can be done entirely within the app's settings.
Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone (iOS)
To change the units on your Apple device, follow these steps:
- Open the app: Launch the MyFitnessPal application on your iPhone.
- Navigate to your profile: Tap the profile icon, which is usually your profile picture or initials, located at the top right of the main dashboard screen.
- Access your profile settings: Select "Edit Profile" from the menu that appears.
- Find the units section: Tap on the row that displays your current units of measurement. It may show as "Units" or similar.
- Select new units: Expand the list of units and set the desired measurement for weight from kilograms (kg) to pounds (lbs). You can also adjust units for height, distance, and energy at this time.
- Confirm the changes: Tap the "Confirm" or "Save" button to apply your new settings.
Step-by-Step Guide for Android
If you are using an Android device, the menu navigation is slightly different but just as simple:
- Open the app: Launch the MyFitnessPal app on your device.
- Tap 'More': Find and tap the "More" tab in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Go to Settings: From the menu, select "Settings".
- Choose 'Edit Profile': In the "My Account" section, tap "Edit Profile".
- Change the units: Tap on "Units" to view the options.
- Switch units: Set the units for weight, height, and other metrics to your preference.
- Save your settings: Click "OK" or a similar button to save the new unit settings.
Changing Units on the MyFitnessPal Website
For users who prefer to manage their settings from a web browser, the process is equally straightforward:
- Log in: Go to the MyFitnessPal website and log in to your account.
- Access Settings: Click on the "My Home" tab, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Find the units page: Click on "Change Units".
- Update units: Adjust the preferred units of measure for weight and any other tracked data.
- Save: Click "Save Changes" to finalize the update.
Comparison Table: App vs. Website Unit Change
| Feature | Mobile App (iOS/Android) | Website | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Highly convenient, can be done on the go. | Requires logging in on a computer or browser. | Mobile is faster for quick changes. |
| Navigation | Found in 'More' or Profile > Settings > Units. | Located under 'My Home' > Settings > Change Units. | The website offers a direct path via a menu. |
| Other Units | Allows adjustment of all unit types (weight, height, distance). | Also permits changing all unit types. | Full customization is available on both platforms. |
| Process | Tap-based menu system. | Click-based web interface. | The user experience is tailored to the platform. |
| Sync | Changes automatically sync across all linked devices. | Changes automatically sync to the mobile app. | Ensures consistency whether using the app or website. |
What Happens to Past Entries?
It is important to understand what happens to your historical data when you switch units. MyFitnessPal does not automatically convert your old data. For example, if you were tracking in kilograms and switch to pounds, any weight entries logged in kg will still display with the old unit on the graphs and logs. Any new entries, however, will be logged in pounds. If you want your old weight entries to be in pounds, you must manually convert and edit them. The process for editing past entries involves navigating to the "Check-in" section on the website and selecting "Edit Previous Entries".
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you are unable to change your units, or the change doesn't seem to stick, here are some things to consider:
- App Refresh: After making the change, fully close and restart the MyFitnessPal app to ensure the new settings are properly loaded.
- Outdated App: Ensure you have the latest version of the app from your device's app store, as older versions may have different menu layouts.
- Website vs. App: If you are having trouble on the app, try logging into the MyFitnessPal website on a computer to see if you can change the settings there. The website version is often a reliable alternative for profile settings changes.
- Manual Entry: When manually logging food, you can sometimes adjust the measurement unit for that specific entry using a dropdown menu. If the food item was user-created, the options may be limited, and you may need to manually calculate the conversion.
- Sync Issues: Check your internet connection. Changes made on one device or the website require an internet connection to sync across your account.
Conclusion
Changing your units from kilograms to pounds in MyFitnessPal is a simple and effective way to customize your tracking experience. By following the clear, platform-specific steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly adjust your profile settings to suit your preference, whether on an iPhone, Android, or the MyFitnessPal website. Remembering that historical data is not automatically converted will help you manage your past entries for a consistent view of your progress. With these steps, you can ensure your weight tracking is accurate and aligned with your personal goals.
