How Much Does 1 kg of Fat Look Like? A Guide to Safe Weight Loss
Losing weight can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. When beginning, many wonder – how much does 1 kg of fat actually look like? Getting a visual understanding helps set practical goals. This guide provides research-backed insights on safe, sustainable fat loss.
Defining Key Terms
- 1 kg (kilogram) equals 2.2 pounds or about 35 ounces
- Fat: Adipose tissue stored in the body, containing 9 calories per gram
- Weight loss: Reduction of total body weight, comprised of both fat and lean muscle
What Does 1 kg of Fat Look and Feel Like?
While 1 kg weighs the same whether fat or muscle, visually there are drastic differences:
1 kg of Muscle | 1 kg of Fat |
– Size of baseball | – 3x as large as muscle |
– More dense | -Wobbly, jelly-like texture |
So removing 1 kg of fat creates much more noticeable visual changes than losing 1 kg of lean muscle or water weight.
Safe Recommended Rate of Fat Loss
- Losing 0.5-1 kg (1-2 pounds) per week often advised
- Equates to daily deficit of 500-1000 calories
- Losing 1 kg fat = a deficit of 7,700 calories
- More rapid loss risks health complications
Consulting a physician helps personalize calories needs for sustainable weight loss. Slow and steady triumphs!
Visualizing Gradual Body Composition Impacts
While the number on scales matter, visual impacts reveal the amazing changes happening underneath over weeks and months through determination and self-care.
5 kg Loss
For a 175 cm tall person, losing 5 kg can equate to:*
- Losing 3 cm off waist
- Fitting better into clothes
- Feeling lighter on one‘s feet
10 kg Loss
- Losing 6 cm off waist
- Face gains: more defined jawline/cheekbones
- Blood pressure improvements
20 kg Loss
- Losing over 12 cm from waist
- Body mass index decrease from obese to overweight
- Friends and family start noticing your achievement
*Results vary based on body type, age, gender etc.
Regardless of total fat loss goal, remind yourself of how far you‘ve come. Small steps done consistently make massive strides over time!
Source List
- CDC Statistics on Obesity: https://www.cdc.gov
- Mayo Clinic Recommendations: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- Journal of Obesity Studies: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com