by Jorg Mardian

Created on: May 02, 2007   Last Updated: May 03, 2007

Fat Loss versus Weight Loss - Which Is Better?

I am sometimes asked about the difference between losing fat and losing weight, and that's actually a good question. Body fat is calculated as a percentage of your overall body weight. Any excess is the result of consuming too many calories, without getting enough physical activity to burn them off.

Body weight on the other hand, is the sum of what constitutes your body water, muscle, bones, tissue and so on. This sum total includes your body fat, which should hover around 18-25% for women and 11-15% for men.

Those who are active in their jobs typically have fewer weight problems, because they more effectively balance physical activity with food intake. Sedentary jobs on the other hand, coupled with junk foods and refined foods, tip the energy balance towards being overweight or obese.

Don't get me wrong; fat is not all bad. We need this macronutrient to transport certain vitamins, produce hormones, regulate body temperature, store energy and protect our organs. Therefore in limits, body fat has important purposes. The excess however shows up not only on the scale, but also as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Most people jump on the scale to measure weight loss, but unfortunately, it can only tell you how much you weigh in total, and gives no indication if the weight you've gained or lost is from water, muscle, or fat. Where the scale is effective, is in acting as a warning sign, giving you a heads-up on weight gain.

Body fat measurement on the other hand, allows you to know what comprises the other portion of your body weight - your lean body mass comprising muscle, bone, organ tissue, blood, etc. So if you weigh 150 pounds and your body fat percentage is 20%, then your body consists of 30 pounds of fat and 120 pounds of lean body mass.

Losing excess weight in the form of fat and increasing lean muscle tissue is the preferred way to optimum fitness. The more lean muscle you maintain, the more fat you will burn, even at rest. A fitness program involving the right balance of cardiovascular training and resistance or functional training can go a long way in achieving a healthy weight and body fat percentage.

However, be sure you don't derail the wagon with the wrong foods. Caloric values from wholesome foods, mainly untouched through the refining process, will have a different effect on you than junk food or boxed supermarket fare. Even if it says low fat, the way your body processes refined foods is much different than healthier foods.

So rather than setting a weight goal, set a body fat percentage goal as a more effective and safe way to measure your progress. And to achieve your goal, keep foods healthy and keep the body active.

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