Body Weight Change Doesn’t Always Mean Body Fat Change
The terms ‘Body Weight’ and ‘Body Fat’ are often used interchangeably but to do so can sometimes be a mistake. Whilst it’s true that they are often interlinked, this article explains why it isn't always the case.
What is Body Weight change?
Body Weight change is measured on a scale and represents a change in total body mass.
Read that again. Body Weight change represents a change in total body mass. Body mass is made up of:
Muscle
Bone
Internal Organs
Fat
Water
Food in your gut
With all these variables, body weight will fluctuate regularly. Can we assess which element on the above list has changed when the scale shows a fluctuation? Well, not with much accuracy. However, there are some scenarios that we can rule out.
When Body Weight change doesn’t represent Body Fat change
Below is a list of reasons why the scale might show change with no or very little link to body fat:
One commonality that does increase the likelihood that body weight change is related to body fat is time. The longer a weight is maintained, the more likely that weight change has included body fat change.
If you do monitor body weight, don’t stress about fluctuation over the. course of days and weeks. Look at what’s happening over months as a (slightly) more accurate gauge.
Other Measurements
Because body weight only accurately shows body weight, it can be useful to use more than one parameter if you’re concerned about changing body fat.
Photos
Photographs every 4 weeks or so allows enough time to assess whether visible change is occurring.
Measurements
Measuring the chest, arms, waist and thighs can indicate whether change is occurring.
Both photos and measurements also have limitations and aren’t a definitive method of assessing changes in fat mass.
Be Cautious
When measuring body weight, air on the side of caution. Remember it will fluctuate very regularly and in the short term doesn't reflect much more than water retention/loss.
Focus your attention on the consistency of your actions and behaviours because this is what will create long term change to body composition.
