Weight loss vs fat loss

Weight loss =/= fat loss. While most of us focus on the scale, this can be problematic from a physiological and psychological aspect.

The scale is a tool. While the scale can be a valuable tool when used appropriately, it can often mask progress. For instance, when we focus on only scale weight we aren’t focused on the appropriate measure which is fat loss. This can lead to muscle loss and weight recycling where we regain weight lost but the regain is fat and not muscle.

Now, if we focus on the proper habits in daily life such as resistance training, movement and protein intake, we shouldn’t see much if any loss of muscle. However, those things can often fall by the wayside when the number on the scale is the only focus.

Workouts and changes in food composition or meal timing can have large influences on daily weigh ins. Yet they are likely benefiting us long term. While we might see a weight increase from a hard workout, we want those workouts to help us build muscle over time.

Psychologically this also presents a lot of issues. When we think we are doing everything “right” scale fluctuations can feel defeating. Even when we understand logically that it’s natural. I’m these cases, we’d first want to assure that intentional weight loss is the right approach at this time and from there we might want to look at other areas for progress besides the scale.

All in all, there are many approaches to goal attainment and they are very individual. Understand yourself, the obstacles and strengths you have, and determine the best course of action for you.

Weight loss =/= fat loss. While most of us focus on the scale, this can be problematic from a physiological and psychological aspect. The scale is a tool.