Is Losing Weight The Same As Losing Fat?

Contrary to common belief, your weight is not really the indicator of a weight problem ? the actual percentage of body fat is the true indicator. You need to know what percent of you is actually FAT. How are you going to monitor your weight loss if you do not know what percent of your body is fat, before you begin your program?

Let me give you an example on measuring body fat, this is important in understanding weight loss, or should I say FAT LOSS. This is actually what we are trying to lose, right? FAT!

Lets say someone weighs 200 pounds and when we measure their body fat we find out there body fat is 40%

This means that 40% of the members body is made of fat (80 lbs). The other 120 lbs is muscle, bones, organs, water, etc. (everything but fat).

Now any true weight loss program should include some form of strength training customized to their personal abilities (Another reason you need someone who truly understands the whole body and how it works). Because if you can gain some of that muscle mass that we lose with age, our bodies will burn more calories and therefore burn more FAT!

Now it's a few weeks into the program and this person steps on the scale and they now weigh 198 lbs. They are a little disappointed because they thought they were doing better. Their clothes fit better, they have more energy, and they are feeling better.

But they are still depressed because they only lost a lousy 2 pounds! Right? Are we sure???

We now check their body fat and it is now 36% not 40%. Let's do a little math.

200 lbs at 40% body fat means that 40% of them is fat, which equals 80 lbs of FAT, and 120 lbs are muscles and everything else (called the lean body mass).

198 lbs at 36% body fat means that 36% of them is fat which equals 71 lbs of FAT, and 125 lbs of lean body mass.

This person actually lost 9 pounds of FAT (the stuff we are trying to lose) and gained 5 pounds of lean body mass (mostly muscle mass, which is a good thing because this will allow their body to burn more calories!)

You need to measure and focus on PERCENT OF BODY FAT, AND NOT WEIGHT!

But don't worry, when your body fat goes down, as your body fat decreases so will the numbers on the scale!

Dr. Jeffrey Banas is a Chiropractic Sports Physician, practicing in Mesa; AZ. Dr. Banas personally lost 60 pounds in 2003 and now uses his experience to help others struggling with their weight problems. Dr. Banas can be reached at his office at 480-633-6837, or by visiting his web site at www.personal-weight-loss-help.com

---

Weight Loss: The Strength in Setting Goals, Achieving Objectives, and The Power of Intention

The act of taking the first step is what separates... Read More

Diet Scams : How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

Have you ever received those tempting ads that seem to... Read More

Bodybuilding Weightloss Diet Tips And Strategies

Just the facts on bodybuilding weightloss strategies that work. No... Read More

Five Serious Dangers of Low Carbohydrate Diets

CancerCoronary heart diseaseStrokeOsteoporosisMajor Depression from Brain StarvationHeadlines.WASHINGTON, Jun 22, 2004... Read More

Weight Loss - A Complex Issue - Learn More

Please feel free to comment, to provide good information and... Read More

Carnitine Weight Loss Revealed: Why L-Carnitine Should Be The #1 Weight Loss Drug

Carnitine is simply the safest and healthiest supplement you can... Read More

Weight Loss for Good! - The # 1 Secret!

The only way you will ever follow through on an... Read More

Volumetrics Adverse Events - Two Potential Outcomes

Adverse Events with Volumetrics Dr. Barbara Rolls is a well... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #12

Are you just exploding with the presence of light all... Read More

Treadmill Weight Loss Tips

These treadmill weight loss tips are a great way to... Read More

The Myth of Fast Weight Loss

You will be surprised to find out how many people... Read More

NotOneOunce -- The Run-up To Thanksgiving

The 8-Week Campaign to Survive the HolidaysEating preparations in the... Read More

Dont Blame Me If Im Fat!

In a culture of blame-shifting we often look for someone... Read More

Help me, Im Addicted to Sugar

A client wrote, "Help me! I thought I was finally... Read More

Lose Weight - Diet Tips For Fast Weight Loss

Looking to lose weight quickly? The good news is that... Read More

Preventing Overweight and Obesity ? Are You Responsible Enough?

Obesity is now assuming epidemic proportions. Worldwide there are over... Read More

Coris Creations - Salmon Burger Atop Veggies

There's nothing more fun then being creative with food and... Read More

Fake Weight Loss Claims: Identify Them

Its crowded..really crowded..every other site offers Weight Loss Programs and... Read More

Lose Weight the Healthy Way

It's definitely no fun to lose weight -- put it... Read More

Why Diets Are A Waste Of Time & Money - What You Can Do Instead

A 'diet' is always seen as a temporary measure. An... Read More

Weight Loss Secrets -- It?s About Perspectives!

Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of... Read More

Weight Loss Myths Exposed

As a weight loss coach I speak will people regularly... Read More

What Makes Your Blood Cholesterol High or Low

Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what... Read More

Dieting Strength

There are several factors in winning at weight loss. Sometimes... Read More

How I Lost 51 Pounds In 4 Months Using The Simplest Diet Plan In The World

Like many people I've been on dozens of diet plans... Read More

Dieting? Want and Desire are Dangerous

This is a very important topic that needs to be... Read More

Does Fat Free Really Mean Free Of Fat?

Do you know what the words really mean on food... Read More

Gastric Bypass Patients Resent Normal Eaters

In the early weeks after having weight loss surgery almost... Read More

Magnetic Weight Loss -- Does It Work?

Magnetic weight loss is the newest fad diet supplement to... Read More

Welcome to the Middle Aged Diet

You are not a kid any more and becoming a... Read More

Making the Food Pyramid Work After Weight Loss Surgery

A "normal-tummy" looks at the food pyramid from the bottom... Read More

Why Do Gastric Bypass Patients Get Sleepy After Eating?

Have you noticed since your WLS and return to regular... Read More

Losing Weight is All About Counting Calories/Carbs and Exercising. Or Is It?

Losing Weight is All About Counting Calories/Carbs and Exercising. Or... Read More