People often use the terms fat loss and weight loss interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Weight loss means your body weight has decreased, which can be due to fat, muscle, and water, while fat loss aims to decrease your percentage of body fat while maintaining muscle mass. The difference between the two is crucial when it comes to long term fitness and health.
The best ways to lose fat are through strength training, cardiovascular training, and eating right. Strength training can help prevent or maintain muscle mass and keep your metabolism up while you improve your body composition. Cardio workouts such as running, cycling or HIIT help torch calories, according to Adams, which means the more you do them, the more you’ll continue to scorch away fat. Nutrition is key – eating a moderate caloric deficit, with a high protein intake, is a recipe for fat loss while feeling satiated and maintaining muscle mass.
On the other hand, severe calorie restriction can cause weight loss that also includes loss of muscle and water and can result in a slower metabolism and a harder struggle to maintain results. There are lifestyle factors—like sleep, stress management, and hydration—that affect fat loss success too.
By being fat loss minded and not solely scales obsessed, people will be able to improve strength, metabolism and health, and attain leaner, fitter and more sustainable body over time.
