Why your body fat might matter more than your weight

Why your body fat might matter more than your weight

Jumping on the scales can feel like stepping into a test, can't it? It can sometimes knock your confidence or motivation, especially if the numbers don't move the way you'd like.

You probably already know that weight doesn't always tell the full story.

Let’s talk about why understanding your body fat, rather than just focusing on weight, is genuinely useful.

This can help you measure your progress better and maintain health long-term, especially if you're using GLP-1 injections.

Body fat vs weight: What's the real difference?

Your body weight includes muscles, bones, water and fat, but not all weight is equal in terms of health. Body composition breaks down your weight into lean muscle mass and body fat, giving you clearer information about what's happening inside your body.

Here's why it matters: Losing weight quickly can mean you're dropping muscle rather than fat. Losing muscle lowers your metabolism, making it harder to keep the weight off in the long run. Understanding your body composition helps you lose the right kind of weight, keeping you healthier overall.

Easy ways to measure body fat

Forget complicated machines and costly tools. Choose a regular interval, like weekly or monthly and use these straightforward ways to measure your progress consistently:

• Waist measurement: Grab a tape measure and check your waist size regularly. A shrinking waist typically means you're losing body fat.
• Clothing fit: Pay attention to how your clothes feel, especially around your waist, hips and thighs. Looser clothing can signal fat loss, even without scale changes.
• Progress photos: Take photos every few weeks to visually track changes. Sometimes you won't notice differences day-to-day, but photos make improvements clear.
  

Try this quickly: Measure your waist right now and jot it down privately. It's a simple first step.