{"id":16885,"date":"2026-04-30T11:44:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biolabeco.com.br\/?p=16885"},"modified":"2026-04-30T11:44:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:44:06","slug":"why-preserving-muscle-is-essential-when-losing-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biolabeco.com.br\/en\/blog\/mobilidade-e-atividade-fisica\/por-que-preservar-os-musculos-e-essencial-durante-o-emagrecimento\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is preserving muscle essential when losing weight?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you start a weight loss process, it's natural to look at the scales and expect the numbers to go down. But have you ever stopped to think about what exactly you're losing in the process?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all weight loss is the same. That's why understanding the difference between losing fat and losing muscle mass is fundamental to ensuring better health, a better mood and results that really last in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fat loss vs. muscle loss: what's the difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fat functions as the body's energy reserve and reducing this excess is, in fact, the main objective of most slimming strategies, as it is associated with various chronic diseases. But the body doesn't just burn fat. When calories are reduced, whether through diet, bariatric surgery or the use of medication, the body can also use fat-free mass, including muscle, as an energy source.

Studies evaluating the effect of weight loss through calorie restriction consistently find that around 25% of weight loss is attributed to the loss of lean mass (such as muscle, water and supporting tissues). In faster weight loss processes, this loss can be even greater, reaching approximately 30%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is muscle preservation so important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people associate muscles only with aesthetics, but they play an essential role in the health of the body as a whole.
Blood sugar control:<\/strong> Skeletal muscle is responsible for around 75% of insulin-mediated glucose utilization. In other words, maintaining muscle mass can help protect against insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
More active metabolism:<\/strong> Muscles are metabolically active tissues, which means that they consume energy even at rest. Losing muscle mass can lead to a reduction in basal metabolism, making it easier to gain weight, the so-called accordion effect.
Quality of life and longevity:<\/strong> Over the years, loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) can compromise mobility and increase the risk of falls, fractures and loss of autonomy, as well as having an impact on longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs that you may be losing muscle mass<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n