Weight Loss for a Healthier and More Efficient Body

Changes in body weight are dependent upon the amount of energy put into the body versus the amount of energy used by the body. For weight maintenance, the energy amounts must be equal. If there is an excess of energy put into the body, weight gain will result. If there is more energy burned than consumed, a weight loss will occur.

This formula is the same for athletes however, an athlete’s energy requirements are different from that of the sedentary population. For weight maintenance, an increased amount of energy must be consumed in order to equal the greater amount of energy expended. This energy goes into the body as calories. In order for the body to work most efficiently, these calories must come in the form of a well-rounded diet. Activities in different sports require different nutritional needs, but every athlete should restrict the intake of fatty foods, and be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If an athlete experiences a loss in weight, it could be the result of some different things. First of all, if the weight loss is unwanted, then simply not enough calories are being supplied to meet the demand. If weight loss is the goal, then the loss should result in not more than one pound of fat per week. For weight loss that occurs during a workout, be sure to drink plenty of water and sports drinks to replace that fluid weight lost. Otherwise the body will become dehydrated.

One other thing to consider is that muscle tissue weighs more that fat. As a person exercises, the body loses fat weight, but also gains muscle weight. So with long term exercise a change in body composition will result. This change will most likely lead to overall changes in weight, but will result in a more healthy and efficient body.