Weight alone is not a good indicator of our physical health. Two people could be the same height and weight, and have completely different body fat percentages. In this case, the amount of muscle mass is usually the factor determining the difference. Muscle weighs more than fat which is why it is possible to lose body fat and still gain weight. Following a consistent exercise routine can lead to an increase in lean muscle mass. This is the ultimate goal because muscle mass is metabolically active tissue resulting in an increase in strength, endurance and metabolism.
Your body was designed to store fat so it would have reserves of energy during famine; when you take in fewer calories than you expend, your body burns these fat reserves. However, if you eat too few calories (fewer than 1,200 per day) or cut out all carbohydrates, the weight you lose will likely be water and muscle, not fat. So, not only are you not losing body fat, but you are also slowing down your metabolism from the loss of muscle mass. Take you time; focus on the lifestyle change, not the diet itself. Lose weight slowly-one to two pounds per week-and continue exercising to maximize fat loss and minimize muscle loss.
2 comments:
This is so true. My BMI is above the ideal range but my body fat percentage is perfect. This tells me I have more muscle mass then the average person for my height. Great info!
I have the opposite problem! My body fat is high but my BMI says I'm healthy.
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