The Difference Between Weight Loss And Fat Loss

We’ve all been there, working to shed weight for one reason or another. Maybe in anticipation of a vacation or warm summer weather or to take care of your body and work towards better overall health. But do you know there is a difference between weight loss and fat loss? It may sound strange–like there shouldn’t be much of a difference–but they are different, and one is better for your overall health. Let’s dive in.

What Is Weight Loss?

Weight loss refers to the loss of overall body weight and can equal a decrease in fat, but also muscle and water. Weight loss can be achieved most commonly through healthy food choices, changing the calories your body intakes, and an exercise regimen. It is measured by getting on a scale. But what a traditional scale won’t tell you is the difference between your weight in fat vs. water vs. muscle.

What Is Fat Loss?

So how is fat loss different? Fat loss is the decrease of just that, fat mass. So it’s looking at a much more specific part of your overall weight. Fat loss can be achieved, also through healthy food choices and exercise but arguably, a slightly more rigorous regimen than just for weight loss alone. The percentage of your weight that is fat is much more challenging to measure but can be done so by using body fat or body composition scales or using calipers. All of which can be done at home.

Which Is Better?

Since fat is the part of our overall weight that causes the most health problems, it is best to focus on eliminating fat and increasing or maintaining muscle mass. Often, the way we go about weight loss ultimately results in more loss of water weight and muscle mass than it does in fat loss. And maintaining a proper muscle-to-fat ratio is critical to your health, helping to prevent various metabolic diseases, heart disease, and diabetes. Now, we aren’t saying that you need to be entering body-building competitions, but working various muscle groups a few times each week will ensure you’re helping your body stay strong.

How To Lose Fat

1. Eat plenty of protein to maintain muscle mass and support new muscle development.
2. Exercise to decrease fat and increase muscle mass.
3. Properly create a calorie deficit in your diet to help your body empty fat cells but not lose too much muscle.
4. Body sculpting treatments at New Image: CoolSculpting treatments target pockets of fat and eliminate up to 20-25% of fat cells in the area after one treatment. Following up your CoolSculpting regimen with EMsculpt will give your body a boost in the muscle mass department (and see tight and toned glutes, abs, arms, or calves).

Getting Body Sculpting Treatments At New Image

Call our office to schedule your complimentary consultation if you’re curious about how body sculpting treatments can help you achieve your health goals. We hope to see you in the office soon!