As we all know, when we lose weight, it’s because we’re burning more calories than we’re consuming. But what happens to that fat once we lose it? Where does it go?
It turns out that most of it is exhaled as carbon dioxide. In fact, about 84% of the fat that is lost is breathed out as CO2. The rest is lost through sweat and urine.
What Is Fat?
Fat is one of the three macronutrients, along with protein and carbohydrates. It is a type of lipid and is made up of triglycerides. Triglycerides are made of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule.
Fat is an important part of our diet as it provides essential fatty acids, which our body cannot produce on its own. It also helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K. Fat is stored in our bodies in the form of triglycerides. These are stored in fat cells, also known as adipocytes.
When we eat more calories than we need, our body will convert these excess calories into triglycerides and store them in our fat cells. When we lose weight, our body will break down these triglycerides back into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids can then be used for energy, while the glycerol is converted into glucose and used for energy or stored as glycogen.
Tips for Achieving Fat Loss
Here are a few tips that will help you achieve fat loss.
1. Cut Down on Refined Carbs
Refined carbs include white bread, pasta, and pastries. These foods are quickly broken down into sugar, which can lead to weight gain. Instead, focus on eating complex carbs, such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
2. Eat More Protein
Protein helps to keep you feeling full and can help to reduce your calorie intake. Aim to include protein at every meal and snack. Good protein sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes.
3. Eat More Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, can help to reduce cravings and promote weight loss.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water can help to fill you up and reduce your appetite. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
5. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda and fruit juice, are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea or coffee.
6. Avoid Eating Late at Night
Eating late at night can lead to weight gain. If you are hungry, opt for a healthy snack, such as a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.
7. Exercise Regularly
Exercise can help to burn calories and promote weight loss. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, five days per week.
Conclusion
There are many ways that fat leaves the body when we lose weight. It can be through our urine, our stool, or even our breath. The main way that fat leaves the body, however, is through our sweat. When we sweat, we are able to lose both water and fat.
It is important to remember that losing weight is not just about losing fat. We also need to make sure that we are losing water weight, and muscle mass. By losing water weight, we are able to reduce our body fat percentage. And by losing muscle mass, we are able to tone our bodies and improve our overall health.
If you are in search of an experienced dietitian in Birmingham, AL, who will help you with your fat loss goals, look no further than our experts here at Weigh to Wellness. All our weight loss programs are overseen by board-certified medical professionals with over 25 years of experience in weight management. Call us today, and let us discuss all your weight loss options.