It seems everyone in the Western world wants to lose weight. We think we just need to drop that last 10 (or 20 or 30) pounds and we’ll be fit and sexy. But if we focus on our weight, we’re fooling ourselves. How much you weigh is only a very approximate measure of how fit you are, and losing weight won’t necessarily make you fitter.
Why Losing Weight Isn’t the Answer
Even doctors blur the distinction between weighing too much and having too high a body fat percentage. Suppose that you and your identical twin go to the doctor for a physical. The doctor tells you that you’re both overweight and recommends that you lose 20 pounds. Your literal-minded twin decides to concentrate on losing weight as fast as possible by going on one of the popular quick weight loss diets.
You decide to try something different. You get your hands on a quality fitness program, which leads you to start eating healthier without going on any extreme diet. You also get serious about working out according to the guidelines in the program. You shoot for a lower body fat percentage and higher fitness level rather than fast weight loss.
After six months, you and your twin go back for another physical. They weigh you and give you all the usual tests, then sit you down to talk about the results. Your twin is confident that they’ve finally outdone you at something, having lost even more than the 20 pounds the doctor suggested. You’ve only lost a few pounds, so your twin seems to have something to be smug about. However, the news the doctor gives you seems surprising. The doctor congratulates your twin on losing 20+ pounds, but tells them that they still need to lose another 10 pounds. The doctor points out that you didn’t lose the 20 you were supposed to, but your test results are now excellent and you are at an ideal weight. So what happened?
Losing Weight Isn’t Nearly As Important As Losing Fat
The doctor gives you and your twin different instructions now because the numbers on the scale aren’t the most important thing. Your twin has been on an extreme weight loss diet for six months. They’ve lost a good bit of body fat. But they’ve also lost a good amount of muscle, along with a lot of water weight. Their body fat percentage (the ratio of fat to lean tissue in their body) is almost unchanged. Their dieting also took a toll on them. Just look at them. They look thinner than before, but they’re not toned. They’re also low on energy and generally don’t look so good.
You’re a completely different story. Sure, you didn’t come close to losing the amount of weight the doctor recommended. But with all that exercise and healthy eating, you’ve added some muscle to your frame. And even though the number on the scale hasn’t changed much, the shape of your body has changed and you fit into those old jeans that were too tight just a few months ago. And you don’t look flabby anymore.
Now look at you. You’ve only lost a few pounds. But you’ve added some muscle to your frame and lost a good bit of body fat. Your body fat percentage has improved a lot. You also don’t look flabby anymore. You look toned and fit. Plus you’re full of energy.
Make Sure You Remember The Difference
You need to understand that people misspeak when they talk about losing weight. Concentrating on weight loss instead of fat loss is perhaps the biggest mistake people make and a big reason why people remain fat and unhealthy. Find a fitness program that suits your life and stick with it. Soon you’ll start seeing results and stop obsessing about your weight. You’ll see and feel the results and know that the number you see on the scale doesn’t matter.