Question:
How do you lose inches without losing pounds?

   — JJW B. (posted on November 17, 2002)

November 17, 2002
Before someone brings up the fallacy that muscle weighs more than fat, this is how it works. A pound of muscle takes up less room than a pound of fat. So, if you are working out regularly, you are probably losing fat and building muscle. Since the muscle takes up less room than fat, you can lose inches without losing pounds. It's a good thing to take measurements regularly, so if you are not losing weight, you will probably find that you are losing inches. And, the weight will also start coming down again if you are following the program.
   — garw

November 17, 2002
gar, I agree, I have been on a plateau for a week, but, my clothes feel loser everyday...I work out 5x/week and as frustrating as it is to not see the scale move, I am glad the clothes are getting bigger.
   — heathercross

November 17, 2002
Hi! Here is what I can figure. I am going to a gym to build muscle. The muscles under the skin are partly responsible for pulling the skin and fat taunt on your body. When I started going to my gym, I did not lose very much weight for the first month. I have learned that when you build muscle, it weighs more than fat does. I took my measurments and found that I had lost 18 inches from one month of working out 2 to 3 days a week with weights. I only lost 6 pounds that month (compared to 25 pounds the month before) BUT, I lost tons of inches. The muscles are slowly building and starting to pull my skin tighter everywhere. Lord, I hope that made sence! *Grin*
   — Stacy C.

November 17, 2002
Drat! Too late Gar! I had to blow it by saying muscle weighs more than fat! :o)When I posted, I swear there were no other awnsers to the question!
   — Stacy C.

November 17, 2002
I have also heard that it takes months for you skin to catch up to your weight loss. If you didn't lose a pound for the next month, you could lose inches. It's all GOOD!!
   — Sharon H.