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.
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Is it easy to lose weight? Yes. Losing weight is... Read More
"I'd love to lose weight, but I don't have the... Read More
If you're taking a fiber supplement or eating a high... Read More
"I'm too busy!" "I'm always on the run." "I... Read More
"I've put on 40 pounds in one year!" "It doesn't... Read More
Axiom Number One - Nourish your body.Probably the most important... Read More
It's a sad comment on human nature that prejudice and... Read More
Not so resolved on that "New Year's Resolution" to be... Read More
Cellulite ? a word most women are very familiar with.... Read More
Obesity and overweight, weight reduction and weight management therapies, miracle... Read More
If only there were a 'better body boot camp', we'd... Read More
In the early nineties doctors were beginning to see the... Read More
There has been a recent surge in the experts weighing... Read More
People always ask me " how it is that your... Read More
Losing weight quickly is not advisable as most of the... Read More
In the battle to look good, there's a cosmetic treatment... Read More
This is a continuation of the article entitled, "Making Diets... Read More
Many people today are interested in weight loss and weight... Read More
For the person who wants to shed a few pounds... Read More
If you are into herbs and natural cures, you've undoubtedly... Read More
This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss... Read More
More and more people are starting to recognize that they... Read More
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS!The health clubs are always racking... Read More
WEIGHT LOSS:Nutrition and weight-loss researchers say that some supplements can... Read More
Its crowded..really crowded..every other site offers Weight Loss Programs and... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Did you know that being successful with losing weight starts... Read More
One common question I receive is, "What do you do... Read More
If You are sick of losing the same weight over... Read More
I asked my sister to come to my gym with... Read More
Many people today are interested in weight loss and weight... Read More
Just because you're working hard, doesn't mean that you're working... Read More
Low carb diets, though popular, have met with much controversy.... Read More
It is estimated that about 32 million Americans are following... Read More
The perfect diet should be combined with a healthy weight... Read More
I just came back from three days in Las Vegas.... Read More
The most recent shocking news related to Atkins diet UK... Read More
I know, I know. What a crazy question!Considering that we've... Read More
If you're taking a fiber supplement or eating a high... Read More
The South Beach Diet works, for most people. Its low... Read More
Everybody knows that 98% of dieters fail. But do you... Read More
The safe way to lose weight begins with a thorough... Read More
Rules of day to day no longer apply as you... Read More
One of the difficulties with dieting is the well known... Read More
Quick weight loss is promised by diets all the time.... Read More
Have you ever wished for a diet where you ate... Read More
This is a very important topic that needs to be... Read More
Hold the onions! Let's talk "liver". No, not beef liver,... Read More
Many women want to be slim. Maybe you're one of... Read More
I have been seriously working on losing weight for about... Read More
There are a few different ways to determine if you... Read More
Weight Loss |