Lose Fat Not Weight, To Get Fit At Last

 

Doesn't it seem like every person you know wants to lose weight? We seem to believe we just need to drop that last 10 (or 20 or 30) pounds to get into the shape we want. But if we focus on our weight, we're fooling ourselves. How much you weigh is only a very approximate measure of how fit you are, and dropping weight may not get you the results you want.

Losing Weight Isn't The Key

Even doctors and nutritionists unintentionally mislead us by using the wrong words. They tell you to lose weight when what you really need to do is eliminate body fat. This example will show you what I mean.

You and your identical twin go to the doctor for a checkup. The doctor tells you that you're both overweight and need to lose 20 pounds. Your twin decides to do exactly that, and starts on one of the popular weight loss diets.

You being a non-conformist and having read this article, know that there's a major difference between the numbers you see on the scale and how fit you are. So you decide to follow a different path. Instead of concentrating on losing weight, you start eating healthy, filling meals. You do some research and invest in a fitness program that appeals to you, and begin lifting weights and running regularly. You've decided to concentrate on a nutrition and exercise program that will make you fitter while reducing your body fat percentage, rather than freaking out over your exact weight.

Half a year passes and you and your twin are back at the doctor for a follow up visit. Your twin lost all the weight the doctor wanted them to, while your weight is almost the same as before. Despite their success at doing what they were told to, the doctor tells your twin that they need to lose another 10 pounds. In the next breath the doctor tells you that you're in great shape and don't need to lose any more weight. How can that be?

Losing Weight Isn't Nearly As Important As Losing Fat

You each responded to the doctor's advice differently, and got different results, which means the doctor now has different advice for each of you. Your twin's diet caused them to lose a good bit of body fat. But they've also lost a good amount of muscle, along with a lot of water weight. Their body fat percentage (the ratio of fat to lean tissue in their body) is almost unchanged. Their dieting also took a toll on them. Just look at them. They look skinnier than they used to, but they're not toned. They're also low on energy and generally don't look so good.

Your situation is totally different. Sure, you didn't lose the amount of weight the doctor told you to. But all the exercise and good eating you've been doing has given you more muscle and left you in much better condition. And even though the number on the scale hasn't changed much, the shape of your body has changed and you fit into those old jeans that used to be way too tight. And you don't look flabby anymore.

Now look at you. You've only lost a few pounds. But you've added some muscle to your frame and lost a good bit of body fat. Your body fat percentage has improved a lot. You also don't look flabby anymore. You look toned and fit. Plus you're full of energy.

Remember What Really Counts

You need to understand that people misspeak when they talk about losing weight. Concentrating on weight loss instead of fat loss is a big mistake and a big reason why people fail so miserably. Find a great fitness program and stick with it. Soon you'll start seeing results and stop obsessing about your weight. You'll see and feel the results and know that the number you see on the scale doesn't matter.