Is there a way to determine whether losses are water weight

Ral263

I lost 5 lbs this week, but I am curious as to whether this was actually fat loss, water weight loss, or even muscle loss. Is there a way to determine that? I've definitely been working out enough and keeping my calories under my goal number, but I wonder whether that is truly weight lost or not.

3dogsrunning

Well, it is a weight loss whether it is fat, muscle or water. I know you mean fat loss though. Looking at you pic, I would say that 5 lbs is a lot of fat loss in one week so it is probably a combination of the three.

The only way to measure is through measuring body fat. You can figure out how much weight is lean mass and how much is fat, then determine the difference as you go. The problem with that is most methods have a degree of error so even that won't tell you exactly.

You can use measurements which will give you an idea if you are losing mostly fat.

Chances are that you are losing some lean mass as well. The best thing you can do to minimize that is eat properly and weight train.

Ral263

I figured it was probably a combination of everything-- I've put on 15 lbs in the last 6 months, all fat (or at least the majority of it), so I am hoping it's mostly fat and water loss-- I lift quite a bit and have been noticing a definite increase in definition, so hopefully I'm not losing muscle!