“Per unit volume, muscle weighs more than fat, so shedding fat and gaining muscle may not immediately change the scale but will result in changes in shape, tone, and measurements,” says McGowan. In other words, you may look leaner as you build muscle and lose fat, but you may actually start to weigh more.
Yes, it's common to experience temporary weight gain before starting to lose weight, especially when beginning a new exercise or diet routine. This can be due to factors like water retention, muscle gain, or changes in eating habits.
Muscle is denser (meaning a lot less fluffy) than fat, says Dr. Calabrese. Put another way, 10 pounds of muscle takes up a lot less space than 10 pounds of fat. So, as you start working out regularly and building strength, the new muscle you build may eventually weigh more than the fat you've burnt off.
Your Metabolism Will Slow Down to Store Fat
The more you work out or manage your calorie intake to lose weight, the more your metabolism wants to compensate by slowing down to maintain your current weight, this is called metabolic compensation. It kicks in to preserve and store fat for future energy.
There are 4 phases of weight loss, rapid weight loss, slow weight loss, plateau and maintenance. Each phase has its own characteristics and physiological reasons.
When you lose weight, your body breaks down fat stored in adipose tissue through a process called lipolysis. This releases energy for your body to use, but as the fat cells shrink, they leave behind a softer layer beneath the skin. Think of it like a balloon losing air—it deflates, but doesn't disappear immediately.
Muscle is denser than fat, meaning a kilogram of muscle takes up less space in your body than a kilogram of fat. So, even if you gain muscle and your weight on the scale increases slightly, you can appear slimmer and more toned.
Stage 1: Fast weight loss
In the beginning, weight loss happens pretty rapidly. Over a period of 4-6 weeks, you'll likely see a noticeable difference in your body weight [1] — either on the scales or by the way your clothes fit.
Mostly, losing weight is an internal process. You will first lose hard fat that surrounds your organs like liver, kidneys and then you will start to lose soft fat like waistline and thigh fat. The fat loss from around the organs makes you leaner and stronger.
It may take 4-6 weeks to see initial changes, but the speed of visible results depends on your starting weight, body composition, and how consistently you follow your weight loss plan. While early weight loss may involve shedding water and muscle, actual fat loss occurs more significantly in the maintenance stage.
Short-term fluctuations are usually due to fluid retention and longer-term fluctuations can also occur due to lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise routines or stress levels.
You should step on the scale first thing in the morning. That's when you'll get your most accurate weight because your body has had the overnight hours to digest and process whatever you ate and drank the day before. And you should try to turn that step into a regular part of your routine.
How Long Does Water Weight Last? The span can vary depending on the cause. Temporary water weight caused by high sodium intake or premenstrual syndrome can last a few days to a week. Permanent water weight caused by underlying health conditions may last longer and require medical treatment.
Water weight is not usually a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable and recurring. Reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, keeping hydrated, and frequently exercising are all good ways to lose water weight and prevent it from returning.
The rule of thumb, Fernstrom says, is that losing 8 to 10 pounds translates to going down one size. Still, if you lose "up to 15 pounds, you may be OK in your old size," she says. But putting off buying new clothes until you really need them doesn't work for everyone.
Gaining weight after working out is likely due to muscle fiber inflammation, muscle glycogen and water weight gain, and over time, muscle mass gain. If weight loss is your goal, seeing an increase on the scale when you've been making an effort to exercise can be frustrating.
It is the type of loose, jiggly fat that most people think of when talking about body fat. Subcutaneous fat stores energy and protects your body from extreme temperatures, trauma injuries, and eating too much. However, too much puts you at risk for serious diseases. Losing subcutaneous fat can be a slow process.
You Feel Like You're Looking Worse
Because you've started to break down your fat cells and now they're filling up with water. Soon, these cells will flush themselves out and shrink. This is what's known as the whoosh, and it's the moment that you actually feel smaller and more fit.
Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.