What is the difference between fat loss and weight loss? Simply put weight loss is more broader definition. Let's say for example you eat food and get on the scale and you noticed you gained 5lb. Then you wake up in the morning, get on the scale again and you might see on the scale that you have lost 4lb. This is simple example of weight gain and weight loss. Now what did you actually gain and lose? You did gain and lose weight but it is due to what you have eaten.
Fat loss on the other hand is more specific. It is amount of body fat that you have lost.
Have you ever had an experience where you've done your exercises and follow the nutrition for few month but the number on the scale won't change at all but your clothes fit better? Well, you might have lost body fat and gain muscle mass. How does this happen? Several years ago, somebody mentioned about muscle weigh more than fat. You might know by now that that statement cannot be true. If you compared 5lb of muscle and 5lb of fat which is heavier? Same right? But when you compare 5lb of muscle and 5lb of fat which is bigger? As you can see on the picture, it is fat. So if you have lost 5lb of fat and managed to gain 5lb of muscle your weight on the scale may say your weight have not change but your figure would be smaller.
Is this good or bad? Although you may not see an overall weight changes, however, because you managed to lose body fat you have started to take control over your hormone especially insulin. If you want to learn more about this click here for more information. Also, by increasing muscle mass you have increased your resting metabolic rate which is about 60% of your overall caloric intake. What does that mean? It means you will be burning more calories while at rest than before.
Sounds good right?
Not only that you will feel a lot more stronger and able to do more things than before. Which also means that you will be using more calories throughout the day than before.
So how should you monitor your fat loss. There are several methods that are available. One is using skinfold calipers. It is somewhat accurate but it also depending on who is taking it. Two is scale that measure body fat percentage or hand held body fat analyzer. These are two different devices but pretty much does same thing. Price range varies but measurement can be different from device to device depending on what formula they are using. Therefore, if you are going to use them stick with one. Third is underwater weigh-in. It is somewhat expensive but bit more accurate if you are good at it. Fourth one is measuring the circumference with measuring tape. May sounds simple but it will be consistent since you can do them on your own. Last one is checking yourself in the mirror. Picture above from BuiltLean.com did awesome job of classifying body image based on body fat percentage. Question is number more important for you or how you look more important for you? If you are not seeing what you want to see, then you have more work to do.
If you are looking to burn off fat and gain muscle to look good and get stronger Mastering Body Institute is offering exercise and nutrition program that are based on science. You can contact me for more information at kotasmasteringbodyinstitute@gmail.com
Kota Shimada
Comments