Why shouldn't you lose weight?

I need to lose X kilos. We often hear that statement and the despair that follows because the numbers on the scale simply aren't what we want to see. But think about this: when you step on a scale, it measures everything at once: bones, muscles, fat, water... Does it matter what we are made of? Of course it does.

When we start a diet, the initial success is always visible. The number on the scale goes down and we feel better. Finally, success! But if the scale measured body composition, it would clearly tell you that you have successfully lost water and glycogen (sugar in the muscle). Over time, as the numbers go down, the scale would tell you that you are now slowly losing muscle mass if you decided to lose weight first and then start exercising.

I have two messages.

First, body composition is much more important than body weight. Muscles are our greatest treasure, and I'm not exaggerating at all! Besides obviously allowing you to move, muscles are our energy treasure. Almost everything we eat is burned thanks to our muscles. On a day when we don't make it to training, we still burn more calories thanks to yesterday's workout (and those of the previous days). When you pass 40 and your metabolism supposedly starts slowing down, what is actually slowing down is you, with less muscle because perhaps you train less. So, we must not lose muscle!

The second message: belly fat is bad! Really bad, actually. Imagine that the fat around your belly is also around your internal organs and heart. Imagine that it also creates inflammatory molecules that age you faster.

Your goal from now on should be: I'm losing fat deposits, not kilos.

With regular training at our gym, you may gain a kilo or two. But as long as that isn't accompanied by a larger waistline (and how could it be!?), you're on the right track — you're gaining muscle! So, congratulations!