I get this question pretty frequently from friends and family members and actually just got it from one of my clients as it was kind of a big deal on the Biggest Loser a few episodes a go.
The simple answer is YES!
Although, in our society we have grown accustomed to using the scale as our primary test for a healthy weight (Biggest Loser) there are some problems with this method. Not only does this number become an obsession with some people, it may not be as valid in weight loss as you may think.
Most scales are pretty accurate with measuring a total body weight (muscles, fat, water, bone, organs, etc. etc.) However as we exercise and eat properly, it is entirely possible to weigh the same on the scale but have lost pounds of fat from you body. Let me give you an example
Recently, one of my clients weighed in at 185lbs. but was 25% body fat. That puts his fat weight at 46lbs. After training for several weeks, he still weighed 180lbs but his body fat had dropped to 19%. That puts his fat weight at 35lbs. This means that in the training period he lost 11 pounds of fat while gaining 6 pounds of muscle.
Because 1lb of fat has a significantly bigger surface area than 1lb of muscle, it also means that my client lost inches from their waist and other areas 2while basically losing very few numbers on the scale.
What does all this mean? Although the scale is an important tool in the weight loss game, be sure to measure progress in inches as well as lbs. Use your clothes or a tape measure for best results.
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