There is no magic to losing weight: it is necessary to combine healthy eating with an exercise routine. However, when we diet and exercise regularly, we can also lose muscle mass (lean mass) instead of the unwanted fat. But how do I know if I am losing muscle instead of fat?

When weighing yourself, it is not possible to identify who is going away. This is because a pound of muscle is the same as a pound of fat, but muscle is more compact and takes up less space, which can mean that weight loss is happening even when there are no big changes on the scale.

Lean Mass: How to know if I'm losing muscle instead of fat

By decreasing the amount of body fat and increasing the rate of muscle, the idea is that the body will gradually become more toned and there will be strength gain. Thus, the best way to notice changes in the body mass index and fat percentage in the body is by doing a complete and professional evaluation, with the help of the bioimpedance scale and the adipometer.

Also read: Slimming Down: Tips to Help Burn Abdominal Fat

Still, there are some signs that can be observed in everyday life that tell us if the body is getting stronger or with a higher fat index. Check it out:

Weakness and laziness

Complaints of weakness, stagnation, or lack of progress in training can be a sign of elimination of lean mass", warns physical educator Meire Rodrigues, "This effect can be caused by excessive physical activity, very restrictive or unbalanced diets", she adds.

Sagging

Some places tend to accumulate more fat when there is a fat gain, mainly in women: waist, pectoral, buttocks and buttocks.Cellulites have not diminished - or are even more apparent - or if these places have more flaccidity, this may be a sign of loss of muscle rather than fat," he adds.

Accelerated weight loss may indicate that you are losing muscle

Losing more than one and a half kilos per week brings a feeling that everything is going well. But, it should also be a point of attention. Losing a lot of weight in a fast way can be associated with the loss of musculature.muscle fibers will be used as sources of energy," concludes the specialist.

Also read: Bodybuilding: What it is, benefits and main types