When people think about losing weight, they often focus on the number that appears on the scale. However, it's important to consider what that weight looks like. A pound of fat, for example, looks a lot different than a pound of muscle. Here are a few images to help you visualize what a pound of fat really looks like and how it compares with a pound of muscle.
In order to lose a pound of fat, you'll need to create a calorie deficit. According to a rule first developed by Max Wishnofsky in 1958, there are about 3,500 calories in a pound of body fat. However, this can vary depending on the individual's hydration and glycogen levels.
If you are tracking your calories, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet of whole grains and veg, a pound of fat will burn about 500 calories per week. Ultimately, this is what will lead to your weight loss goal being achieved.
Losing a pound of fat can be a dramatic change for some individuals, while others might not notice it so much. It can also depend on where the pound of fat is located in your body, how large you are, and how many pounds of fat you have to begin with.
Remember, a pound of pure fat has very little water or protein in it. Therefore, it will weigh more than a pound of muscle. But in general, a pound is a pound.