Muscle Can Tip the Scales When It Takes the Place of Body Fat

Question: As of Jan. 1, I’ve become a very active 35-year-old woman. I’m trying to lose about 15 pounds. I have been doing aerobic exercises for an hour every day--either running at lunch or riding a stationary bike after work.

Since I started these exercises, my clothes are looser, but the scales say I’ve gained weight.

Can you tell me why? (I’m a strict vegetarian, so I don’t eat animal or dairy products.)

SUE KLINGER

Pasadena

Answer: It sounds as if you have a great new exercise routine and a healthy eating plan, so don’t worry about the scales. You are transforming your body composition--building lean body mass and decreasing your body-fat content.

Pound for pound, muscle takes up less space than fat, so you can actually lose fat and inches without losing weight. Don’t fixate on the number on the scale.

That’s easier said than done, of course, because every woman I know weighs herself.

You could consider buying one of the new scales that provide information on everything from body fat to weight and body mass index ratios.

A woman your age should aim for about 22% body fat. Below 18%, and you could be at risk for amenorrhea (absent periods) or osteoporosis.

Also, because you’re a vegetarian, be sure you’re getting enough protein and essential fatty acids into your diet.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a health and fitness consultant. Send questions to stephoakes@aol .com. She cannot respond to every query.