The Biggest Loser

Losing Weight versus Losing Fat

Measuring weight loss is important in determining if an exercise program works, but it is not the
only objective. Losing body fat and maintaining a healthy body composition are more
important. Body composition consists of lean tissue and fat. The body needs a certain amount
of fat for essential functions (energy, regulating temperature). Karin Cottman, a certified
personal trainer in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, keeps these ideas in mind when developing
workout plans and diet goals for her clients.
Cottman knows that the number on the scale gives you total weight but not body composition.
You can be overweight but not over fat if you have high muscle mass, which is typical for many
athletes.
When losing weight, aim for lower body-fat totals. Over time, exercising may not change the
numbers on the scale. This is normal if your body fat has decreased and your muscle mass has
increased.
Problems -

Fausta weighed 150 pounds and had 30% body fat.

1. How many pounds of body fat did Fausta have?

2. How many pounds of lean mass did Fausta have?

3. After 4 weeks, Fausta weighed 148 pounds and had 25% body fat. How many
pounds of body fat did she have at the end of her program?

4. How many pounds of lean mass did Fausta have?

5. How many pounds of fat did Fausta lose?

6. What is her change in lean body mass?

Bob was a contestant on The Biggest Loser television show. He weighed 380 pounds and
had 51.1% body fat.

7. How many pounds of body fat did Bob have?

8. How many pounds of lean mass did Bob have?

9. After 1 week, Bob weighed 352 pounds. He gained one pound of lean mass.
How many pounds of body fat did Bob lose?

10.

What percent of his total weight is lean mass?

By the end of eleven weeks, Bob weighed 230 pounds and had 18% body fat.
11.

What is Bobs total loss in pounds of body fat?

12.

What percent of his total beginning weight did Bob lose?

13.
How does his ending lean mass number compare with his beginning
number?