I have been working a very labor intensive job for about 3 months now and have lost enough inches on my waist to go down two pants sizes yet my total weight when I go on the scale remains around the same. How is it possible that I lost 4 or 5 inches off my waist yet the scale doesn’t change? Is it possible what weight in fat I am loosing is made up for with an increase in muscle mass?
Basically, what you went through is called body recomposition.
I would assume your job had your muscles placed under enough mechanical tension to stimulate hypertrophy, but you didn’t eat enough to be in a caloric surplus. Otherwise you would’ve gained weight. For gaining muscle mass anyway, I guess your diet was high in protein?
If he has not done much gym-like sport ever (which, if they are surprised by losing fat and keeping mass, it’s probably the case) they are probably on the “noob gains” phase, no need for high protein meals.
I have a lot of experience with weight loss through strict dieting and generally my ‘thinness’ has always been tied with the scale number. Was never much of an excersise person besides basic walking routine always prefered just not eating. My diet does consist of a lot of protein too, though I do try to stay more on the fruits, veggie, and nuts side of it. So its a little jarring for me to be getting thinner while not loosing any total mass since ive never ‘bulked’ before. I really appreciate everyones input on this its good to know im not going crazy lol
True, that would make the most sense
I am the only full time housekeeper at a 3 story mansion turned rehab center. lots of walking, stair climbing, hauling a wagon full of heavy trash bags 500ft one way to the dumpsters and throwing em in, hauling 5gal water jugs up those stairs, vaccuming, and bending over things to clean them. I am also on a strict somewhat high in protein but try to stay on the fruits veggie nuts side of it. Only ever dieted to loose weight so was slightly fustrated by the scale refusing to change. Thanks for your response!
Definitely one of those cases where it’s better to look in the mirror instead of worrying about the number on the scale.
Muscle is over two times denser than fat, so if you gain enough, you might actually weigh more instead of less some day. But you’ll be stronger for it.