Fat loss versus weight loss

castaban

I have one of those scales which can show you how much fat you have (in pounds and percentage). I only have been doing this for 4 weeks and I know the first two weeks or so does not really count, but in the last two weeks two thirds of my weight loss was fat, I am a little bit discouraged, I was expected almost all in fat loss.

What are your experiences?
Is it a measurement error? If not what am I losing for 1/3rd? I don't think it can be water, am I losing protein then?

myopus

I'm not sure of the answer, so bumping for you.

In the meantime, try not to feel discouraged; you should be beaming! I think sufficient intake should minimize lean muscle loss and keep you healthier while losing, so even if your loss includes water, that is still a loss, still in the direction of better health.

psuLemon

Well the bio impadence machines (like the scales) can vary draticallly based on hydration level. Also, when it comes to cutting body fat, it is really going to depend on how large your caloric deficit is. The larger the deficit, the larger the chance there is of losing lean muscle mass. If you want to maintain muscle, then you need to have a small caloric deficit and should aim for 1 g of protein per pound of lean body mass.