What
does it mean when one loses weight but their body fat remains
the same? Weight loss does not necessitate or assure reduced
body fat. With weight loss, the proportion of fat and muscle
in the body changes over time. A lower body mass represents
a higher percentage of lean tissue or muscle.
Since muscle
outweighs fat, the more muscle one has will indicate a heavier
body. In professional sports such as football, hockey, boxing
and baseball, professional athletes or body builders may appear
to be overweight; however, according to the according to the
classifications of the Body Mass Index (BMI), their weight reflects
an extremely low percentage of body fat.
When people
achieve their weight loss goals, a high ratio of both fat and
muscle may be lost. Certain weight loss management plans consist
of a very low caloric intake will utilize muscles to supply
the body’s supply of calories. Generally, during weight loss,
the body will try to hold on to the body’s stored fat. As a
result, lean muscles mass is lost.
On the
other side of the weight loss spectrum, losing muscles can be
deemed as negative. The amount of muscle the body helps to determine
one’s metabolic rate. Subsequently, when muscle mass is decreased,
the metabolic rate is reduces the body’s caloric requirements
to sustain an existing weight.
According
to the guidelines of the Body Mass Index, the average target
rate for both men and women ranges between 21 to 28 percent
of body fat. To increase the amount of muscle mass in the body,
exercise is the best recipe. A combination of both resistance
training and aerobic activities will help build muscle. The
positive aspect of more muscle represents a little more weight
while giving the body a metabolic boost so that slightly more
consumption is acceptable to maintain weight.
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