There’s a difference between fat loss and weight loss. These are not interchangeable phrases and they do not have the same meaning. You can lose a lot of weight and not lose much fat at all. On the other hand, you can lose fat and not see a big difference in the number on the scale. How is this possible?
Well, many factors play a role in determining what percentage of your weight loss is actual fat loss, including how fast you lose the weight. Many people start a new diet and are all jazzed about it the first week, so they stay committed to sticking to it. At the end of the week, they get even more excited to see they’ve lost several pounds.What’s important to know is that much of the initial weight lost is nothing more than water weight. As unfair as it is, your body treasures the fuel it stores in the fat cells and is very reluctant to give it up. It will sacrifice in other areas such as fluids, and even muscle, before it will turn loose of valuable stored fuel.
One of the best ways to find out if you’re actually losing fat is to measure beforehand with a fat caliper and track your progress. You can buy a digital fat caliper or a skin fold caliper. They take a bit of practice to learn how to measure accurately, but they can tell you if your fat percentage is really going down.
As surprising as it sounds, there are people of normal weight who are ‘over fat’. For instance, if a person is 5’10” tall and weighs 160 pounds, they probably wouldn’t be considered overweight. But if body fat is measured and is found to be 40% of the 160 pounds, this person needs to lose not weight, but specifically fat. I know, that’s an extreme example, but I use it to make my point.
One of the best ways to lose fat is by increasing muscle mass. Now, ladies, don’t freak out, this doesn’t mean become a body builder. Sleek, toned muscles look good on everyone. Besides, you’d have to work really hard to get the huge muscles associated with body builders.
Muscle tissue is the most active tissue we have and it works longer and harder burning calories, not only while you’re engaged in activity, but even afterwards when you’re resting. If you’re among those who think that if you build muscle you’ll gain weight, you’re partially right.
You may wind up weighing the same or even a bit more, but you’ll look much smaller and you’ll be able to wear smaller size clothes. The reason for this is because muscle tissue is dense and takes up less space in the body than fat tissue.
The most lethal weapon you have in the battle against fat is the combination of following a regimen of healthy eating and a routine of strength training exercises. It’s a one-two punch that knocks fat out every time.
