a scientific question..

where does the fat/inches go when you lose it?

like, if you lose 4 inches from your waist, where did it actually go? and how?

Re: a scientific question..

fat cells shrink and expand with weight loss and gain

when we store fat, the fat can ultimately be used as energy

when you eat less and exercise more, you create a caloric deficit and your body starts using your fat stores as energy

(the reason why losing about 1 lb per week is safest is because if you cut 250 calories from your daily food intake and work out to burn 250 calories a day, that 3500 calorie deficit = 1 lb lost)

the fat is broken down into fatty acids and glycerol which slip into the blood stream. some of it is absorbed by the liver and the muscles and other tissues

in the liver the krebs cycle kicks in (I have this outlined in a text book and I do not even want to get into it ) and the rest comes out as carbon dioxide when we exhale and as water (urine, perspiration)

Re: a scientific question..

That's so funny, I was just wondering this yesterday. I do use the bathroom more when I'm being particularly good on my food/exercise plan, but I wondered where the rest of it went.

DB, you're awesome! Great explanation.

Re: a scientific question..

you never lose fat cells completely (unless you have lipo) ... they just shrink and expand.