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.
Elk Grove (east OF 53) car service from Midway .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDrink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of... Read More
I want to make this perfectly clear, fruits are healthy... Read More
You are ready to shed those energy draining, body crippling,... Read More
These days, most everyone has heard of low carb diets... Read More
We in the diet and exercise industry have our own... Read More
Sometimes, just the thought of starting on a diet and... Read More
If you're like most people who tried losing weight on... Read More
It seems everyone is looking for that magic bullet -... Read More
In health clubs, they run classes that call themselves "aerobics".... Read More
Many Americans include health improvement in their New Year's Resolutions.... Read More
If you are committed to the low carb way of... Read More
Diet information is everywhere. In advertisements, on TV, in magazines;... Read More
To lose weight and keep it off you need an... Read More
"Polyols" or sugar alcohols are a number of different carbohydrates... Read More
Maybe you losing weight comes down to the simple question,... Read More
Perhaps you've had them too, nightmares about rice cakes, granola,... Read More
With the number of people suffering from obesity rising so... Read More
Mindfulness is all about paying attention. It's amazing what can... Read More
The holidays are now officially over and it's time to... Read More
I am Greg Ryan, a high profile fitness expert with... Read More
Yes, there is more to the Mediterranean than sun, beach... Read More
Abdominal fat is now seen as a growing health hazard,... Read More
The Atkins Diet Seems To Never Go AwayFad diets come... Read More
Body Mass Index (bmi) A Misleading measure of ObesityMany professionals... Read More
Much has been written about obesity and globesity. Obesity is... Read More
Green Oaks limo rental ..To really understand the impact of a protein diet, it's... Read More
Recently, a Japanese study showed dramatic results of organ fat... Read More
Most people who want to burn off some excess pounds... Read More
It's always great to find a protein supplement with very... Read More
Diet and Exercise. They are the inseparable twins that are... Read More
Many physical problems are related to obese condition, like difficulties... Read More
Dieting Dilemma No 1: When Life Gets in the WayThat... Read More
Fast Weight Loss - Is it better to lose 2lbs... Read More
1. Include in your diet things that contain more water... Read More
Are you just exploding with the presence of light all... Read More
An Interview with Success Story, Caitlin JohnsonIf you don't know... Read More
Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More
Rules of day to day no longer apply as you... Read More
This is the second article in the series, Weight Loss... Read More
What's a Low Carb Diet Really Mean?When I hear low... Read More
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. You're... Read More
I personally lost 60 pounds in 2003. Here are some... Read More
A startling fact is that carbohydrates are not responsible for... Read More
You've heard them before and may even have believed some... Read More
Many people limit themselves to one soda a day especially... Read More
Using healthy low carb recipes are an important part of... Read More
I am Dr Patrick Flanagan, and this is the latest... Read More
Weight loss can be a difficult goal to achieve. Some... Read More
Weight loss is an issue that affects men and women... Read More
You won't believe what happened to me today!I was getting... Read More
Weight Loss |