The amount of water lost from these stores can mean that weight losses in
the early weeks of a weight loss plan may be more than you will see later on.
Also, all weight loss plans result in a reduction in lean body mass as well as
fat mass – as the whole body gets smaller. So, losing an equivalent amount
of each type of body tissue (say 0.5kg of fat mass and 0.5kg of lean mass)
might not show any change in body fat percentage.
Note:
regular physical activity helps to minimise loss of lean body mass
when following any weight loss plan – resistance exercise, such as weight
training, is particularly good for helping to preserve lean body mass whilst
following a weight loss plan.
Note:
tracking reductions in your waist measurements (using a tape
measure or judging by how your clothes fit) can be a useful indicator of fat
loss. Following a weight loss plan and including physical activity is likely to
result in changes to body composition: less fat mass in relation to lean body
mass. Lean body mass has a smaller volume (pound for pound) than fat, so
takes up less space in the body – therefore taking measurements can help
you notice a changing shape.
About BMI
The Body Mass Index (or ‘BMI’ as it is more commonly known) is
recommended by government health officials, scientists and health
professionals working in the nutrition and obesity field as a reliable method
of assessing weight and disease risk.
BMI is calculated using your present weight and height. It’s recommended
because it is simple to use, correlates with body fat, and applies to men
and women. A BMI of 20-25 indicates a healthy weight, 25-29.9 indicates
overweight, and 30 and above is indicative of obesity. A BMI above 25 is not
healthy for most people.
BMI is the best tool we have as a broad indicator for a healthy weight, and
one which can be used quickly and easily. However, the measurement of
BMI does not indicate the proportion of body fat making up a person’s
weight.
