Why Am I Losing Inches, But Not Weight?

Because so many of us want to lose weight, at any given moment, most of us know how much we weigh. Most of us even have a favorite scale, the favorite being the one that gives us the lowest number possible. We talk about weight, think about weight and, sometimes, lie about weight, but how often do we think about what that number means?

For too many of us, weight isn't just a number but something that can actually change how we feel about ourselves.

But, what does your weight really mean and how useful is it when it comes to tracking weight loss progress? Learning the answers to those questions may just have you tossing out your scale forever.

I have written about losing fat for years. All we hear every day in the form of advertising is weight loss and if you have excess fat, most of us want the fat gone. So because that's all we hear about on the internet, TV, and radio, that's all we think of. That's advertising doing their job. They get paid to program your minds. Maybe we should all be in the business of making scales.

Don't obsess over the numbers on the scale. You don't need a scale. Most trainers today use a tape measure. They want to see you lose inches. As you lose your excess fat you will lose weight, but it's not that important. The object is to lose inches, to be able to buy smaller clothes and to look better in your clothes.

Focus on Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss

When you talk about losing weight, what you usually mean is slimming down. But slimming down doesn't always mean losing weight.

It may sound odd, but it's possible to get thinner without actually seeing a change in your weight. This happens when you lose body fat while gaining muscle. Your weight may stay the same, even as you lose inches, a sign that you're moving in the right direction.

But, if the scale doesn't change, you may not even be aware that you're getting real results. Knowing the difference between losing weight and losing body fat can change how you get results and may even change how you look at your own body.

The Truth About Your Weight

What does your weight say about you?

If you think about it, that number doesn't tell you a lot.

The scale shows your weight, but does it tell you how much of that weight is muscle and how much is fat? Or how much of that weight is water, bones or organs?

A bodybuilder's weight could be off the charts because of extra muscle, but does that mean he's overweight or fat?

Most of us would say no because we know that weight doesn't tell the whole story.

Knowing your body composition is crucial information if you really want to get results and, unfortunately, the scale doesn't tell you that.

Another reason scale weight isn't so reliable is that it changes all the time. All of us experience weight changes throughout the day, sometimes by as much as 10 pounds depending on what and how often we eat and drink. You could gain weight now by putting on a pair of heavy boots, but does that mean you've gained fat? No.Just as taking those boots off doesn't mean you've lost any fat.

While the scale isn't completely useless, it may not be the best tool for people just starting a fat loss program. If it doesn't help you stay on track and reach your goals, maybe it's time to throw out the scale for good.

Should You Throw Out the Scale?

You now know that focusing on fat loss is much more important than focusing on your weight. When you lose body fat, you're making permanent changes in your body, shifting your body composition so that you have less fat and more muscle.

When you lose weight, you could be losing water or even muscle. I wouldn't throw out the scale, but I would put it in the closet for awhile. After a couple months and you can see some real results, then pull out the scale, just to check and then put it back.

How The Scale Lies

It measures everything: The number on the scale includes everything - muscles, fat, bones, organs, fat, food, and water. For that reason, your scale weight can be a deceptive number.
It doesn't reflect the changes happening in your body: If you're doing cardio and strength training, you may build lean muscle tissue at the same time you're losing fat. In that case, the scale may not change even though you're getting leaner and slimmer. The moral of the story is that you can avoid being disappointed when you jump on the scale if you stop trying to measure your success by your weight.

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I write several blogs and ebooks, check out some of my other sites.
gettingtoahealthyweight.blog
idropped40pounds.wordpress.com
howbaddoyouwanttoloseweight.blogspot.com
blogonlosingweight.com
blogonweight.blogspot.com

If you really want to lose your body fat than look for my Ebooks at the websites listed below. You'll get information on Healthy eating, exercise, and diet. Instead of spending hours on the internet reading dozens of post, you can save time by picking up one of my ebooks.
There are two ebooks. “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight?” is available at all the online bookstores selling for $1.99. Go to any of the websites below and search the title to find my Ebook. This book gives you all you need to lose weight without spending money on gym memberships, diet plans or meal plans. Look for my book. at Amazon.com, B&N.com, iBooks, Kobo.com, Scribd.com, or Gardner Books in the U.K.
My new ebook is available on Smashwords.com, just type “getting to a Healthy Weight” in the search box at the top of the home page.