I Lost 1.5 Kg on 2nd Day but where does it go?

Recently one of my client shared with me a happy news: she lost 13kg so far, but question is where does that 13-kilogram gone, do you know?

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Where Does Weight Go When You Lose It?

Losing weight is a common goal for many people around the world. Whether it's shedding a few pounds for health reasons or striving for a complete body transformation, the process of weight loss often sparks curiosity about where those lost pounds actually disappear to. Contrary to popular belief, the answer may surprise you—it's not simply "burned off" or transformed into energy as many might assume.

The Mystery of Weight Loss

To understand where weight goes when you lose it, we need to unravel the science behind it. When we consume more calories than our bodies need for energy, the excess is stored in the form of fat. This stored fat serves as a reserve fuel source for when we need energy in the future.

When we embark on a weight loss journey, we create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than our bodies require for daily functioning. This deficit forces our bodies to tap into the stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss over time. But what happens to the fat once it's mobilized?

The Role of Metabolism

Metabolism, the complex series of chemical reactions that occur within our bodies to sustain life, plays a crucial role in the process of weight loss. When we metabolize fat for energy, it undergoes a transformation within our cells.

During metabolism, fat molecules are broken down into smaller components: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These components are then released into the bloodstream and excreted from the body through various means.

Excretion: Where Fat Finds Its Exit

The primary route for excreting the byproducts of fat metabolism is through the respiratory system. That's right—when you lose weight, a significant portion of it is actually exhaled as carbon dioxide. In fact, research suggests that approximately 84% of fat is converted to carbon dioxide and exhaled, while the remaining 16% is excreted as water through sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids.

This revelation may come as a surprise to many, as the process of weight loss is often associated with sweating and increased physical activity. While exercise certainly contributes to overall health and can enhance weight loss efforts, the majority of fat loss occurs through the simple act of breathing.

According to a paper published by British Medical Journal, the authors show that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled and that this metabolic process produces 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Which means 10kg body fat is converted to 8.4 kg of carbon dioxide and 1.6kg of water. This conversion happens only if you breath properly. Question is do you know how to breath properly?

Conclusion

When you lose weight, the fat doesn't simply vanish into thin air—it's converted into carbon dioxide and water, which are then expelled from the body through breathing, sweating, and other bodily functions.

So, the next time you're on a weight loss journey, remember that every breath you take is a step closer to achieving your goals. And while the process may seem mysterious, the science behind it is truly fascinating.

Reference

When somebody loses weight, where does the fat go? | The BMJ