There is a huge difference between weight loss and fat loss, both of which are exclusive in definition as well. Weight loss is something that may occur when people follow the wrong diet or ‘crash diet’ in addition to improper fitness training. Fat loss, on the other hand, is a process of reducing body fat through a dietitian recommended diet along with guided fitness training sessions.
Fat loss under the guidance of a health or fitness expert results in improved health and fitness level, greater physical abilities and strength and a reduced risk of diseases.
Weight loss, simply put together is the sum of muscle loss, fat loss and water loss. A lot of people stay under the presumption that if they lose weight, they will get fit. But that is not true. In fact, the fat percentage is a true measure of how fit your body actually is.
What is the main principle behind crash diets?
When you feel that you have lost weight, it may be because you have lost water weight. Carbohydrates are our main source of energy, which the body uses to conduct daily activities. Now, carbohydrates are water-bound substances (which when increased, cause weight gain), which means that you will lose weight if the level of water+carbohydrates reduces in your body.
This is the fundamental idea behind most crash diets, which is not a healthy course to follow in the long run as it may weaken your bones, muscles and lowers your immunity.
Why you need to focus on fat loss instead?
Weight loss is actually a very subjective matter. Assuming you are overweight, then you do need weight loss. But if you are someone who is averagely proportioned, then weight loss might not be the best option for you. Hence, you need a diet and a fitness regime that is based on your fitness goals, health issues, BMI etc. – something which we at InstaFitness do as the first thing to help you plan out better.
Normally, in a fat loss regime, what we recommend is diet, weight or strength training coupled with cardio and an ample amount of sleep. We monitor the exercises very closely so your fat is strictly lost in desired percentage. Following this consistently for a while also helps to increase your metabolic rate, as your gut becomes healthier.
Strength training is one such regime that helps you gain muscle, tone your body and reduce fat content. So, you could look much more fit than someone else even if you weigh the same.