Weight Loss versus Fat Loss

In the above picture both men are six feet tall, weigh 250 lbs and have a body mass index (BMI) of 33.9.  The man on the right is clearly obese while the man on the left is very muscular and obviously has a very low body fat percentage.  Even though both men weigh the same on the scale, their body composition is vastly different.  Body composition is defined as the proportion of fat, muscle, and bone of an individual's body, usually expressed as percentage of body fat and percentage of lean body mass.

So if the man on the right were to go on a crash diet (no exercise, just diet) and lose 100 pounds, would he look like a skinnier version of the guy on the left.  No!  He would look more like the following individual, also known as "skinny fat".  The scale and his BMI may tell him that he is thin but he is far from being fit and healthy. 

All weight loss is not created equal.  Losing weight through diet alone, or through improper choice of exercise, will lead to muscle loss.  Losing weight with a balanced choice of proper diet and exercise leads to fat loss while maintaining lean muscle. Does it really matter if all you care about is the number on the scale?  It matters greatly to your overall health.  Weight loss through crash dieting and improper training results in decreased fitness and strength, poor performance in fitness endeavors and in activities of daily living, early ageing, and reduced immunity which puts you at risk for numerous diseases and health problems.  Compare that to fat loss with correct nutrition and training which leads to improved fitness, greater strength, peak performance, delayed ageing and reduced risk of diseases.  Why is this important to you?  Fat loss, and eventually weight loss, is what you are achieving through Metabolic Training when combined with proper nutrition!