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Difference between Fat and Muscle

TheTealOpal
TheTealOpal Posts: 9
edited January 23 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I have lost some weight and a some inches around my thighs, waist and hips. :happy: My problem is, my shins are almost as large as my thighs now, because they have not decreased in size. So here is my question: how do you tell the difference between fat and muscle on your body? Are my shins not shrinking because they are more muscle than fat?

P.S. I walk for at least half an hour four days a week, and I dance around five hours a week. I also do other strength building exercise.

Thanks!

Replies

  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    your shins are a bone. They will not decrease in size.

    However, I think I see what you are trying to ask. You can get accumeasure calipers which are a good at home guide to do pinch tests on your thigh and calf. If the numbers are decreasing then fat is being lost.
  • TheTealOpal
    TheTealOpal Posts: 9
    Thanks for the tip
  • SJackson50
    SJackson50 Posts: 282 Member
    Just so you don't worry...I've lost over 60 pounds and 40+ inches off my body...one miserable inch off my calves :-)
    Good luck on your journey!
  • crlyxx
    crlyxx Posts: 186 Member
    I'm guessing you're referring to your calves. I sort of have this problem. I have humongous calves for someone my height/weight ratio. I learned that it's mostly genetic and you can't really change it, so I'm just going to have to grin and bear it.
  • TheTealOpal
    TheTealOpal Posts: 9
    Thanks!
  • TheTealOpal
    TheTealOpal Posts: 9
    Yah, calves not my shins...

    Thanks for your input
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    For a while the fat was coming off my *kitten* and thighs, but not my calves, it looked bizarre...eventually they got the message and slimmed down, too.
  • gracetillman
    gracetillman Posts: 190 Member
    A very good friend of mine lost a huge amount of weight -- she went from 185 pounds down to 110 pounds or so. Her calves did not shrink like the rest of her body. They got a little smaller, but they were just proportionately larger on her body. Her genetic luck of the draw. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong if they do not get smaller. The rest of her looked so good you didn't notice the slightly large calves.
  • nanusimprobus
    nanusimprobus Posts: 21
    I learned that fat & muscle are located in your back & in your legs.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    You should be able to tell the difference just from touching it. When I flex my calves they feel tense and I see a shelf-like bump. If an area has a lot of fat it'll feel squishy and have it won't have a defined shape.
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