No weigh, dude!: Why obsessing over the scale doesn't make sense

Often when were trying to get lean or lose weight, we depend too much on scale readings.

A regular bathroom scale is an imprecise measure of body composition and fat loss. Five pounds on a scale is five pounds, whether its fat or muscle. The scale, however, can't discern the quality the weight that is, whether its muscle or fat.

Muscle is denser (compact) than fat and, therefore, takes up less space. A fat burning overview can help you build a clear outline of what you need to focus on to carry out your fat reducing purpose if you're a starter; or serve as a reminder for those who are at an advanced or more advance phase of their weight loss strategy. Following are seven steps that can serve as instructions for your own weight loss system. The first thing that one must understand is that losing weight and losing fat is not a similar thing. Many weight loss plans have misled people into considering that it is the same, but most diets and weight loss applications only work by causing a person's body to lose more muscle tissue and water than actual body fat, more help please visit The Fat Loss Factor. That means a person who appears lean and muscular can weigh the same amount as someone of the same height who is overweight. The photo for this article illustrates why we shouldn't get fixated on scale weight. Similarly, body mass index measures shouldnt cause us to freak out.

Body mass index is a reflection of an individuals body mass divided by the square of his or her height. Originally, BMI was a way for health and medical professionals to have a general discussion about healthy body weight. Its never been about absolutes. Like a bathroom scale, BMI doesnt measure the ratio of muscle to fat. It simply measures weight. As a result, bodybuilders or fit individuals with dense muscle mass frequently have misleading BMI numbers, which place them in overweight or obese categories.

A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight; 25-29.9 is considered overweight, and more than 30, obese. A BMI of 40 or above indicates a person is morbidly obese. (Calculate your BMI here.)

The American Council on Exercise considers hydrostatic (in water) weighing as good way to accurately assess body composition. Other measures include skinfold and body circumference measures, as well as bioelectrical, which sends small electric impulses through the body.

The bottom line is this: When youre eating right and exercising, you know it and your body responds through increased muscle mass and body fat loss, even when it does not immediately register on a scale. Your appearance in the mirror, as well as better clothing fit, may be a better indication that the scale is tipping in your favor.

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