Can/does this happen even if a person is not working out or specifically exercising?
This might sound a silly but I’m thinking about when people are not losing weight but are getting smaller. How does this happen? Does fat just start turning into muscle somehow?
Fat per pound is quite bulky especially when compared to the same weight of muscle. I don’t think fat can turn into muscle but losing a good volume of fat may not show any weight lose on the scale. That is why I do not weigh. It is really not that good of a gauge of progress; I just pay attention to clothes and fit. Good luck on your journey.
Fat does not turn into muscle.
However, eating plenty of meat will ensure your body has what it needs to repair and rebuild its lean tissues, eg. muscles, bones, organs, skin, etc. You probably won’t gain much muscle, but if you’ve not been eating well I’m sure your body will try to reach its state of homeostasis.
You should lift, though. Everyone needs more muscle.
Nope. You can get smaller by just losing the weight, fat is very bulky. Muscle is more compact, dense. As you lose the fat you will start seeing muscles, like abs, shoulders, biceps, triceps, glutes, etc.
Thanks so much for the replies. I think they are confirming what I thought but what I’m still not understanding is what is it that is happening, when for example, I see lots of people claiming they haven’t lost any weight, but have gotten smaller and they put that down to having gained muscle.
I get that muscle is heavier/occupies less space than fat, so it makes sense that if they have built muscle they would get smaller but not lose poundage, but can people build muscle without specifically working out? And if not, what is actually happening that makes people get physically smaller but not lose scale weight?
And if I haven’t confused y’all with my question, I’ve definitely confused myself!
You also get ‘smaller’ by losing bloat. They haven’t gained muscle, they have lost fat that exposes the muscle that is already there. And muscle is denser, not heavier, 1lb equals 1 lb. no matter what material is weighed.
Now if they are lifting weights or doing other strength training protocols, they might be losing the fat and building the muscle. But fat doesn’t magically turn into muscle, you would have to lose the weight and grow the muscle.