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!
About The Author
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.
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..Frankie saddled up to the bar at the We-Stuff-Em-All Diner,... Read More
If you are overweight and suffer from pain in your... Read More
You're always hungry right? The last thing you have time... Read More
If you find this article helpful, please forward it to... Read More
Looking to lose weight quickly? The good news is that... Read More
If you have been eating as usual and the pounds... Read More
One pound of fat equals 3500 calories. Want to lose... Read More
To begin this article I must start with it's conclusion.The... Read More
As a woman, your body is very complex. Throughout every... Read More
Maybe you've heard about body dysmorphia ? it's a mental... Read More
Speculating on the scientifically proven memory unreliability, the memory specialist... Read More
Success stories on the gastric bypass are everywhere, but how... Read More
I'm sick of all the fad diets I see people... Read More
How would you like Julia Roberts to coach you on... Read More
Remember there's more to you than meets the eye. You've... Read More
Americans have their French fries, the British have their chips,... Read More
In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of... Read More
Some of you will not like what I have to... Read More
Have you ever dreaded the idea of pulling weeds, planting... Read More
As much as many of us who are over-weight do... Read More
Are you unhappy with your current weight but aren't "motivated"... Read More
Obesity and overweight, weight reduction and weight management therapies, miracle... Read More
I am approaching 70 years of age very quickly and... Read More
Is this even possible?Well hold on to your seat because... Read More
Have you ever wished for a diet where you ate... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..Are you one of the many people who feel frustrated... Read More
At the beginning of December, WeightWatchers.com announced the release of... Read More
The first rule for successful weight loss and weight maintenance... Read More
Ready for a hardcore diet to get lean in a... Read More
Reading labels is an essential part of any weight loss... Read More
Exercise Physiologists who study the effects of exercise on weight... Read More
It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More
We all know that losing weight and improving your overall... Read More
You are probably familiar with the weight loss connection with... Read More
Taming the See Food Eat Food ResponseWhat happens when you're... Read More
Remember there's more to you than meets the eye. You've... Read More
Diet Fads-Forget about 'EmAnother fad "best diet" bites the dust.... Read More
The importance of drinking water is mentioned in almost every... Read More
Addicted to Restaurants Are you addicted to restaurants? So are... Read More
Are you wondering why you're not losing weight? If you're... Read More
In twenty years of consistant exercising, maintaining a low percentage... Read More
Both men and women around the world are becoming fatter... Read More
Losing weight is a tough and demanding task for most... Read More
Most people are unsure about how to begin a fat... Read More
Permanent Weight loss is not about Diet. If you are... Read More
If you are looking for a way to lose fifteen... Read More
If you're like most people who tried losing weight on... Read More
Yes and no. Moderate calorie restriction helps in controlling and... Read More
Here are 7 simple habits that can help anyone enjoy... Read More
The government, nutritionists, doctors, and dietitians implore us to eat... Read More
Weight Loss |