Weight Loss vs. Body Composition

When you think about losing weight, your mind is pinned to that number you see on the scale. If your weight isn’t where you want it to be, you think about changes that you can make in order to send the number on the scale in the right direction. However, if you really want your weight loss journey to be effective, you need to do more than focus on your total weight. You also need to look at body composition and take a new approach to shaping your body to fit your needs.

Understanding Body Composition

Body composition looks at the big picture. It is comparing the proportion of the amount of fat in your body as opposed to everything else that is fat-free. In other words, it is taking into account your bones, organs, muscles, and the water content in your body. When you look at it in percentages, your percentage of fat should be smaller when compared to your percentage of bones, organs, and muscles.

When you prepare yourself for a weight loss journey, taking a measurement of your body composition can help you to reach your end goal. Know exactly what you are dealing with in the beginning, understanding that your fat-free mass is a plus. Your muscles, bones, and tissues are going to work for you, burning off calories. Fat will not. Understand that your age, your hormone levels, your genetic history, and whether you are a man or a woman will affect your body composition.

How to Use Your Body Composition Measurements to Your Advantage

Once you have an assessment of your body composition, you can set goals that are specific. Focus on how much fat you need to take off. Concentrate on increasing your fat-free mass, otherwise known as your lean mass. Strength training and the proper types of protein in your diet can help you to build muscle mass. This will also burn off fat. It’s important to understand that as your muscle mass increases and fat decreases, you may not see a change in the number on your regular scale when you weigh yourself. However, you will see the difference as your body tightens up and becomes toned. As long as you get rid of that excess fat, you will be on the right path.

Talk to Our Team

If you are determined to lose weight, or at least lose excess body fat while building muscle, see our expert at Enhanced Wellness Living. Express your goals for your body. Get measurements of your weight and your body composition.

We are proudly serving residents in the Jackson, Ridgeland, Bolton, Brandon, Canton, Clinton, Madison & Vicksburg, Mississippi area. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Ridgeland.