‹ Back

WEIGHT LOSS VS FAT LOSS - WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?

 

 

 

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss simply refers to a reduction in total bodyweight and is generally measured by how much a person weighs on the scales... Think of an elite Boxer trying to make weight for an upcoming bout...

 

Weight loss is predominantly associated with a decrease in the bodies water weight, lean muscle mass, body fat and even bone density!

 

Mostly associated with extreme dieting and calorie restriction... low carb / low fat diets for example...

 

Reduction in weight can be fast however this is generally as a result of loss of water weight and lean muscle tissue... not just body fat!

 

Linked with the term 'yo-yo' dieting, fast weight loss is often unsustainable and most people end up gaining more weight once normal eating is resumed!

 

Whilst there may be some health benefits associated with total body weight loss, generally it is thought to have more negative effects on a persons health due to the reduction of lean muscle mass, lower metabolism and extra stress on the bodies hormonal fucntion - especially in females!

 

Weight loss can be linked with low mood and depression, especially if it is done rapidly via excessive calorie restriction & cardio. Long term it can even result in more serious eating disorders without actually realising...

 

Whilst you may weigh less on the scales... doesn't necessary mean you have lost body fat!

 

fat loss 

Fat loss simply relates to a reduction of the bodies overall fat mass a.k.a adipose tissue...

 

Fat loss is often slower than overall body weight loss as the goal is to maintain lean muscle mass at the same time...

 

Usually associated with a slight calorie deficit, focusing on wholefoods, especially lean proteins, helathy fats & complex carbs along side a solid exercise routine consisting of strength training & cardio...

 

Overall reduction in body fat is linked with numerous health beneifts including increased metabolism, improved heart health and a reduced risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease & certain cancers!

 

Fat loss is often linked with improved mental health, especially if it is achieved through a combination of good nutrition & exercise. This is mainly due to improved body image, higher self-esteem, better sleep, improved strength & more energy...

 

It is perfectly normal to reduce total body fat but still remain the same weight on the scales, especially if strength training is incorporated... 

 

To put it simply... forget the false reality of '12 weeks shreds' and endless weight loss bootcamps... these are often designed for financial gain and you end up losing much more than just body fat... and what for? a photoshoot which in reality looks nothing like you!

 

Instead... stop stressing over what the scales say... focus on consuming more whole foods, reduce your intake of sugar & processed foods, add strength training to maintain lean muscle mass and do some form of both low & high intensity cardio to boost heart health...

 

Fitness is a lifestyle... Not a destination...

 

The sooner you adopt this outlook... the better your results will be!

 

 

Author:

Jason McLeister

Strength & Conditioning Coach / Personal Trainer

FULL-BODIED FITNESS

Coleraine, Northern Ireland