Did you hear what Jillian said ....

memaw66

Last night on the biggest loser Jillian pretty much shot down everything that people have been saying about muscle weighing more than fat and that if you aren't seeing the numbers drop on the scale then you must be losing inches. She basically said if you aren't losing pounds then you aren't losing inches either. What are your thoughts on this????


Memaw

memaw66

Last night on the biggest loser Jillian pretty much shot down everything that people have been saying about muscle weighing more than fat and that if you aren't seeing the numbers drop on the scale then you must be losing inches. She basically said if you aren't losing pounds then you aren't losing inches either. What are your thoughts on this????


Memaw

lobita44

I still think that if your clothes are fitting better, then you are successful!

SHBoss1673

We need to realize that Jillian, while a GREAT trainer, isn't a god. She may have the same misconceptions as many of us. Remember, she is focusing on people so obese that doing just about any exercise at all and eating even a semi healthy diet will result in huge weight losses. For her particular situation, I feel that what she said is pretty much true. I think her mistake (and this may be some creative editing on the production teams part) was saying those things without adding a caviat. I seriously doubt she meant that as a blanket statement, but more of a targeted one for the people ON the show.

I have no way of proving it, and I imagine she will take some heat for it, but that's what I feel.

Remember, it is monumentally difficult to gain muscle when in a caloric deficit. There will be some modest definition gained, and some increases in other areas, but generally, when you are morbidly obese, the first thing that happens is massive weight loss.

emibmas

a pound is a pound is a pound.

muscle is more dense, takes up less room than fat.

abillings9

I heard her say that too, and I was like 'WHAT?!'
I'm stuck on the scale. For the past 2 weeks now, it's NOT MOVING. But, my pants are fitting oh so much better and I'm losing inches a little bit at a time.
So I'm really hoping that was not about everyone and just those that have a lot of excess weight to lose. :huh:

TRLTAMPA

I was stunned when I heard that too. Made me feel like a loser for telling myself that I'm gaining muscle during this 2 weeks with no weight loss. She even said losing inches was a lie.....which is the other thing I'm telling myself.
But I see it. My pants actually fit now, ones that I couldn't even zip 2 weeks ago.

sarabear

We need to realize that Jillian, while a GREAT trainer, isn't a god. She may have the same misconceptions as many of us. Remember, she is focusing on people so obese that doing just about any exercise at all and eating even a semi healthy diet will result in huge weight losses. For her particular situation, I feel that what she said is pretty much true. I think her mistake (and this may be some creative editing on the production teams part) was saying those things without adding a caviat. I seriously doubt she meant that as a blanket statement, but more of a targeted one for the people ON the show.

I have no way of proving it, and I imagine she will take some heat for it, but that's what I feel.

Remember, it is monumentally difficult to gain muscle when in a caloric deficit. There will be some modest definition gained, and some increases in other areas, but generally, when you are morbidly obese, the first thing that happens is massive weight loss.

I have to agree with you Banks, if you are obese, you will drop pounds before gaining muscle

sherris

this can't be true i haven't lost a pound in a WHOLE MONTH!!!!

BUT!!!!

I have lost 3 inches on my waist!!!!!!.......and i'm NOT cheating!!!!!!

pdxmomof2

My take on what she said is this:

The # on the scale is what it is. They are in a game to watch the scale move down each week. So if the scale isnt moving then in the end your not going to be "the biggest loser". The tape measure is not going to win them the money or help them take control at this point.

We all know our own bodies. We all know when our pants fit us better or the shirt is not so tight. That is an accomplishment. Someday it will be an accomplishment for the people on that show too!

I say keep those tape measures out! Watch your muscles start to define themselves and be proud of it!

Amy:happy:

motherof3

I think she was directing this toward the people on the show as well... either way I would love to have her at my house for 2 months!!!

AugustBaby1973

I agree with Banks! I think Jillian was referring to the cast of the show. They are so big to begin with that if the scale doesn't move weekly, then it's like they aren't doing themselves justice. They aren't small enough yet to get the chisled frame that Ali had by the end of the show, so it will take time. Eventually, when they are smaller, the muscle will definitely outweigh the fat they are carrying! :bigsmile:

pipinana

Yup, Banks I totally agree with you. Her comment was directed at the contestants. Just remember everyone, their sole purpose is to work out and eat right. They work out for 4-8 hours a day, so don't get discouraged when you see your scale only going down a couple pounds.

chrissyh

You weigh what you weigh - you may lose inches because you are toning up muscle but your weight is what it is! I've had weeks of no loss in pounds but did lose in inches - I feel like it's progress towards my end goal but still need the pounds to go or the tone muscle under the flubber is hidden anyway!

jsmccloy

Since the goal on The Biggest Loser is to lose weight then for her intended audience she was right. But muscle definitely weighs more than fat, and if you're losing inches but staying the same weight you're definitely gaining muscle and losing fat (or you've eaten rocks).
My mother was a nutritionist, and she had silicone models of what five pounds of fat looked like (gross) vs. 5 pounds of muscle that were molded from real fat and muscle. The muscle chunk was a lot smaller because muscle IS denser and weighs more.

MattySparky

you guys have to forget what you hear on tv... the media is a lie! It always has been and always will be. Keep in mind that everything that ANYONE says on tv is bought and paid for. This includes testimonys from the trainers on biggest loser as well. While some of what Jillian said (I didn't see it so I dont know the full extent) may have merit, you can bet that it was scripted and may or may not reflect her actual opinions or even the truth. I have a hard time believing that muscle is not heavier than fat... after all, every single health professional I've ever talked to has said the same thing. Friends of mine who are bodybuilders, people who build muscle like it's their job, have said the same thing and believe it. I think television is deceptive.

annhjk

I guess I thought it was that she's sick of hearing people who aren't really putting 100% effort forward and then use that as a crutch - oh, I didn't lose weight, I must have gained muscle - or a trainer who wants their client to feel better - oh, you must have replaced fat with muscle.....

As said before a lb of anything weighs the same as an lb of anything else (fat, muscle, feathers, bricks, chocolate - whatever). But inch per inch, I think muscle is heavier. Correct me if I'm wrong

coliechacer

i agree when i heard Jillian say that last night my heart stopped. Cause my trainer says i will gain muscle weight first idk what to believe anymore!

TRLTAMPA

Since the goal on The Biggest Loser is to lose weight then for her intended audience she was right. But muscle definitely weighs more than fat, and if you're losing inches but staying the same weight you're definitely gaining muscle and losing fat (or you've eaten rocks).
My mother was a nutritionist, and she had silicone models of what five pounds of fat looked like (gross) vs. 5 pounds of muscle that were molded from real fat and muscle. The muscle chunk was a lot smaller because muscle IS denser and weighs more.

I would love to see that!!!! Put it in perspective.

MTGirl

Yeah - I was a little upset! DH was laughing at me yelling at my tv :blushing: I just went through 3 weeks where I didn't lose 1 lb, but lost 3/4 inch. Then in 5 days I lost 3 lbs! So I know what she said wasn't true - but I do believe she was refering to the contestants that were coming back that obviously hadn't done their work. I also hate the statement that "the scale doesn't lie" YES IT DOES!! But in the case of the show - really it is a good reflector of the work they are doing or not doing (Joelle).

drewzaun

I don't know. I don't often get the chance to watch the show but it was on in the gym last night so I saw the part that is mentioned here. And I 100% agree with everything Jillian said. And what she said transcends the show and applies to us as well.

We need to face the facts, you do not gain muscle anywhere near as fast as you can lose fat. Period. If you are obese, and certainly those contestants are, then you are not gaining muscle. Maybe you are stripping out the marbled fat within your muscles, and that is causing you to drop and inch here or there, or maybe your muscle is firmer and not allowing parts to sag quite so much, but you are not losing the main fat. It means you are eating too much or not working hard enough.

The normal person is not going to lose consistently. Sometimes you will lose alot, sometimes a litte, and sometimes you might gain. This is normal for people who cannot dedicate themselves to the gym and are not 100% in control of what they eat and when they eat it. Everyday life is full of variables. This is to be expected.

Weight loss simplified is all about figuring out how many calories you need to maintain your weight, then consume less. More complex is not how many calories, but what type of nutrients and when you consume them. And that is critical for muscle gain of any significant amount.

Sorry, but that is just the way it is.

TRLTAMPA

Drew I don't agree. I have been bustin my @$$! Running, jogging, biking, crunches, push ups, weights....the whole 9.
I watch everything I eat. Drink tons of water. Don't drink any soda. Cut the salt WAY down. Eat my protein and fiber. Everything is running smoothe and doing exactly as it should, except the scale. 2 weeks with no change, besides the minor fluctuations that are normal.
I know I'm not cheating. I know I'm doing what I should. I just know it.

newnana09

I agree with with Bank said. Jillian's words were directed toward the contestants of the show.

What I do NOT agree with is when people continue to say "muscle weighs more than fat". NO IT DOESN'T!!

If you have 5 lbs. of muscle and 5 lbs. of fat - you have 5 lbs. - period. The difference is the muscle takes up much less space than the fat does. 5 pounds of muscle does not weigh more than 5 pounds of fat. Now, if you have 20 pounds of fat and you want to fill up the same amount of space that 20 pounds of fat takes with muscle - you will need more muscle to do that - so - that amount of muscle will weigh more.

MTGirl

I agree with with Bank said. Jillian's words were directed toward the contestants of the show.

What I do NOT agree with is when people continue to say "muscle weighs more than fat". NO IT DOESN'T!!

If you have 5 lbs. of muscle and 5 lbs. of fat - you have 5 lbs. - period. The difference is the muscle takes up much less space than the fat does. 5 pounds of muscle does not weigh more than 5 pounds of fat. Now, if you have 20 pounds of fat and you want to fill up the same amount of space that 20 pounds of fat takes with muscle - you will need more muscle to do that - so - that amount of muscle will weigh more.

Generally when people say "muscle weighs more than fat" they really mean by volume. So if this really irks you, just add "by volume" when you see the statement. Of course, a pound is a pound. We all get that. Just a short cut - but by volume say a cup of fat weighs much less than a cup of muscle. So what their saying is that the same pound of muscle takes up much less space than the fat, so you can lose inches and not lose pounds in that manner. Now, that is a whole different topic for a whole different discussion that I don't even want to get into! So it's the same thing you said, but just add the two words mentally and it will keep you from going nuts! :flowerforyou:

drewzaun

Drew I don't agree. I have been bustin my @$$! Running, jogging, biking, crunches, push ups, weights....the whole 9.
I watch everything I eat. Drink tons of water. Don't drink any soda. Cut the salt WAY down. Eat my protein and fiber. Everything is running smoothe and doing exactly as it should, except the scale. 2 weeks with no change, besides the minor fluctuations that are normal.
I know I'm not cheating. I know I'm doing what I should. I just know it.

It is normal for weight loss to occur in fits and starts. It is quite possible in your case that your body is beginning to retain more water, which accounts for the lack of loss. It is also possible that your body is just not giving up the fat right now. The numbers that MFP and other sites or books use to calculate things like your BMR are simply averages. Your BMR will change with your activity level and your diet. (and your age)That is why you need to shake things up here and there to keep the line moving steadily. Otherwise you hit a plateau and must wait it out. That you are not losing is not necessarily a sign that you are cheating or doing anything wrong.

But a lot of people think that if they are on target to lose 2.5 pounds a week based on some numbers they got here, or past history, and think if they don't lose that they gained 2.5 pounds of muscle instead are, I am afraid, mistaken, or mislead. The lack of loss or gain is more than likely from some other cause, and not muscle gain.

dothompson

I think that what Jillian said is true over a long span of time. She was talking about a 4 week time period and a person who lost 2 pounds. The point was that she lost 2 pounds.

If you are weighing yourself every week, there will be weeks where the scale doesn't show the number appropriate to your efforts, and you may have lost inches and not see the scale move. However, it will catch up the next week or so. Over a 4 week period you pretty much will reap what you sow. This is especially true at the beginning of a weight loss effort. Later you may hit a plateau that could last for 4 weeks, but again, over time it will show up at the scale.

abullock

I read some of the threads about Jillian’s comments. Here is my two cents: We live in an immediate gratification society, and I know that I, like many, have wanted to find a quick fix for weight loss. I start strong and I expect the scale to respond according to my expectations (which are high and admittedly unrealistic) and if it doesn’t I have often moved on to the next quick fix or simply given up. I am at this site, tracking my calories, committed to exercise because I know that there is no quick fix. I am committed to losing weight and changing my life.

That being said, I sometimes get discouraged when the scale is not my friend and does not tell me what I want to hear. So I look for other ways to keep myself motivated – things like the tape measure and skinny jeans. See I think Jillian is right and wrong. The scale doesn’t lie – It is like a super b*tchy girlfriend that doesn’t tell you what you want to hear but always tells the truth. The tape measure and skinny jeans are like super supportive friends that say “Look you lost .5 inch and good job those pants are almost buttoned.” As measures of progress they serve very different purposes: the scale tells me like it is but the tape measure keeps me going. So I say to Jillian, you can be critical of the scale – it is a b*tch that doesn’t lie! But keep your hands off my tape measure – it is kind and measures progress in cm, and sometimes that is what I need to keep going. Otherwise I am liable to give up on the healthy lifestyle and start researching how much weight I could lose if I drank green tea, Acai, and did a colon cleanse all at the same time!

LuckyLeprechaun

just wanted to "weigh in" here- pun intended.

I have been following the plan and not going over on cals for 5 1/2 weeks. For the first 4 weeks, the weight was falling off like there was no tomorrow. 16 lbs in the first 4 weeks. Woo-Hoo! I was so excited, Then week 4 ended, and I did not see any change at all for 9 days straight. I was feeling sorry for myself, wondering why????? Then this weekend I ran a 5K, way more effort than I have expended in years. I weighed myself and measured myself yesterday. My scale said I was 4 lbs HIGHER!!!!??? but my measuring tape said I had lost 2 inches from my fattest part of my stomach. Then today, I get back on the scale and I am back at the 221 where I was at the end of week 4. But the pants that I could not close on that day, I am wearing, comfortably, now.
So, tell me, am I gainign muscle? Am I losing weight?

I don't know, but I am shrinking. These pants are not stretch. and I could not zip them, not even a little, and now they are on. Not like, OMG I am cutting myself in half, but really comfortably fitting.

I can't "weight" (bad one) to see what happens next. I am just glad I stuck it out through the "scale-not-moving" days.

spiritmi

i believe jillian's and bob's whole points were don't sugar coat it, don't make excuses, the two pound loss meant not lots of muscle gain, just not lots of doing what the contestant was supposed to be doing...later when jillian talked to the contestant she admitted that she was working out good but not eating what she was supposed to be eating...
i love watching the biggest loser and seeing people take their lives back...but along the journey of my life, i have learned that we take what we need to learn from our teachers...if it doesn't sound like it feels right to us, then it probably isn't for where we are right now on our journey...on the message boards, there will be messages that feel right to us and will work right for us and we can integrate the advice into our lives...then there will be messages that just don't sound/feel right to us...doesn't mean they are wrong, just means they aren't right for us...i could never work as hard as the contestents on the show are working (and i wouldn't want to)...but i am making progress one step at a time...and the show motivates me...i would rather see my clothes fit looser and have more energy and feel healthier than see a result on the scale...i think that"s why we should only weigh once a week (even though i weigh every morning..:embarassed: )....
if you are doing what you know you should be doing, and you don't have a weight loss, don't worry about it...one day you will wake up and lose 4 pounds seemingly out of no where...it has happened that way for me so i know it is true...
good luck and blessings to everyone on this site...i love the support and help here!!!!...joan

spiritmi

luckylep and abullock, i think you both hit the nail right on the head with your comments!!!..both of your posts were insightful...thanks, joan

2Shoes

I read some of the threads about Jillian’s comments. Here is my two cents: We live in an immediate gratification society, and I know that I, like many, have wanted to find a quick fix for weight loss. I start strong and I expect the scale to respond according to my expectations (which are high and admittedly unrealistic) and if it doesn’t I have often moved on to the next quick fix or simply given up. I am at this site, tracking my calories, committed to exercise because I know that there is no quick fix. I am committed to losing weight and changing my life.

That being said, I sometimes get discouraged when the scale is not my friend and does not tell me what I want to hear. So I look for other ways to keep myself motivated – things like the tape measure and skinny jeans. See I think Jillian is right and wrong. The scale doesn’t lie – It is like a super b*tchy girlfriend that doesn’t tell you what you want to hear but always tells the truth. The tape measure and skinny jeans are like super supportive friends that say “Look you lost .5 inch and good job those pants are almost buttoned.” As measures of progress they serve very different purposes: the scale tells me like it is but the tape measure keeps me going. So I say to Jillian, you can be critical of the scale – it is a b*tch that doesn’t lie! But keep your hands off my tape measure – it is kind and measures progress in cm, and sometimes that is what I need to keep going. Otherwise I am liable to give up on the healthy lifestyle and start researching how much weight I could lose if I drank green tea, Acai, and did a colon cleanse all at the same time!

I love love love this!!! Thank you!