What Defines “Is It Working?”

In the last couple days there’s been some great discussion about calorie requirements for fat loss and how to determine yours (outcome-based decision making). As Erik stated, you need to start somewhere and if it isn’t working, adjust.

However, I think it is important to define the word “working” in this context since many would have you believe that anything less than 2 pounds per week is suboptimal. In reality, fat loss is dependent on numerous factors and everyone’s rate of loss is different.

Taking it a step further, the scale alone is a terrible indicator of progress. Your measurements, the way your clothes fit, how you look, and how you feel are all significant indicators and ALL of these need to be taken into account when making an assessment.

You’ll often be tempted to adjust before it is actually necessary. If you’re seeing progress (even if it is slow) you’re often best to keep plugging along for another couple weeks and reassess.

Be patient and make decisions on principle not emotion.