When Does Weight Loss Actually Take Place?

[Jucius Maximus]

I've been doing plenty of cardio lately for the purpose of weight loss.

Do you actually lose weight during the exercise? For example, if I weighed myself right before and right after a workout, should I be seeing a difference?

Or is it a gradual thing that goes on throughout the whole day?

[FerrisB]

Weigh yourself once or twice a month, not right before and after exercise. Your weight will fluctuate a few pounds based on hydration alone.

So many people get discouraged and quit because they think they should be losing a pound or two of fat a day. For someone who is slightly overweight 1-2 lbs a week is a more healthy realistic goal. That fat loss might not show up on the scale though either if you're more hydrated or you've gained some muscle. For accurate progress you need to take measurements.

[breakout]

[QUOTE=Jucius Maximus;6790265]
Do you actually lose weight during the exercise? For example, if I weighed myself right before and right after a workout, should I be seeing a difference?
QUOTE]

HAHAHAH !!

[ephdub]

I've been doing plenty of cardio lately for the purpose of weight loss.

Do you actually lose weight during the exercise? For example, if I weighed myself right before and right after a workout, should I be seeing a difference?

Or is it a gradual thing that goes on throughout the whole day?

Think of the energy balance.

Energy in > energy out = net energy income (or weight gain)
Energy in = energy out = no loss or gain of energy
Energy in < energy out = net energy expenditure (or weight loss)

The goal of weight loss or any weight loss technique for that matter is to either decrease the energy income (via change of diet) and/or increase energy expenditure (exercise or change to a more active lifestyle).

If you have a net energy expenditure, you will "lose weight" but to see that in tangible results is long term and gradual. You MIGHT be able to notice in a few weeks time but more likely in a few months time. Just do not be discouraged by what the scale says and keep at it!

[OceanDrop]

For example, if I weighed myself right before and right after a workout, should I be seeing a difference?

Yes, but that would be water weight.

I would weight yourself on a weekly basis...if you're cutting 500 kcal from your diet per day, plus burning an extra 500 kcal through exercise per day, that should amount to a weight loss of 2 lbs per week. However, when the weight actually "drops" depends mostly on your metabolism, so the actual point in time that you weigh less may vary.

[wikkid_bigshot]

When you let go of the burger.

No seriously, losing weight is a gradual process, your weight fluctuates too much for you to worry about a weight in. Just make sure you do the right exercise and eat the right food at the right amount.... which you are... right?

Rather spending x amount of dollars on diet food and etc., that money is better invested into a personal trainer.

Yes, Im giving you advice which you didnt ask for.

[sleepyguy]

The scale doesn't tell the whole story, actual it is a pretty poor gauge. You could be lowering your BF% but your muscle mass could be increasing and you stay at the same weight (or heavier). That being said, just eat well work out often properly (no need for a personal trainer, tons of good info on the net, even here) and the results will come.

Unless you got some outing or photo shoot or something, it's no race and the results will come with a bit of effort -sg

[tet8suo]

3500 calories = 1 lb

Let's say in a week's time, your activities used up 3500 calories more than what you eat, then you lost 1 lb.

[inntents]

3500 calories = 1 lb

Let's say in a week's time, your activities used up 3500 calories more than what you eat, then you lost 1 lb.

Wow, are you like, a doctor?

[tet8suo]

Wow, are you like, a doctor?
http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/howcalburn.htm

or google search for "3500 calories=1 lb"

[izzyzz]

You will lose weight if you burn more calories than you put into your body. Simple as that. How fast you lose weight depends on your diet, metabolism level and how much you exercise.

Pay very close attention to what you eat and cut down on sat.fat/sugar/simple carbs. Drink water instead of soft drinks/juices, whole wheat instead of white bread, brown rice instead of white rice, chicken instead of steak, etc.. These are simple things but they make a huge difference.

There is a very good book on nutrition that I picked up recently. It's geared towards martial artists, but the information in there is very useful for anyone looking to lose weight through exercise and good diet:

"The Fighter's Body: An Owner's Manual : Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts" by Loren W. Christensen. You can find it at amazon.ca or chapters.ca.