Why sweating does not necessarily mean losing weight
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There is a belief that a good workout necessarily results in many drops of sweat, which make the extra pounds disappear from your body. This is not entirely true, and it can even be counterproductive.
When you sweat, you eliminate a greater proportion of water (usually around 99%), a vital fluid for optimal health and physical performance.
Today would like to explain to you why sweating a lot does not mean that you will lose weight faster.
Sweating is actually used to maintain a correct body temperature.
Simply put, one of the main functions of sweating is to cool the body and prevent it from overheating, because the more you exercise, the more your body temperature rises. When sweat on the skins surface evaporates on contact with air, it draws heat away from the body, and this is what helps stabilize its temperature.
It does not mean you burn more calories
Everyone is different when it comes to sweating and losing weight. The amount of sweat you produce does not have a direct relationship to the number of calories you burn. Indeed, it is possible to burn a lot of it during activities where you do not sweat a lot or not at all: swimming, lifting light weights or exercising in a cold environment.
Thus, it is said that one can lose an average of 330 calories in a yoga class, as well as walking at a speed of about 6 km / h for an hour.
It is a different process for everyone
Sweating depends on factors such as genetics, age, level of training and environment. Among them, weight and physical condition also count. The heavier you are, the more energy it takes to function and the more your body mass needs to be cooled. As a result, you sweat more. Plus, fit people sweat faster because their bodies are more efficient at regulating temperature.
What happens when you lose water while sweating?
When your body eliminates water through sweat, your respiratory rate increases and your heart tends to increase its heart rate and blood pressure, which provides nutrients and oxygen to your muscles. In addition, your temperature rises, a reaction comparable to that of a dangerous situation.
Due to the increase in temperature, the body inhibits neuroreceptors that control the sensation of thirst. If you start to feel thirsty during exercise, this is said to be a symptom that indicates your body is going through the first stages of dehydration. Therefore, it is advisable to drink small amounts of water (preferably cool) every 10 minutes during training sessions.
Weight loss through sweating is temporary
Sweating can help you lose weight quickly, but only temporarily, as it is a secretion of fluid and mineral salts, which must be recovered by ingesting water before, during and after exercise. So, for example, taking a sauna session to sweat and lose weight is not the best solution.
What should you focus on to lose weight?
The key to maintaining, losing or gaining weight lies in the amount of calories consumed and burned. Those who want to lose a few pounds should maintain a healthy calorie intake and engage in aerobic activities like running, walking, or cycling for an extended period.
Remember, when in doubt, it is best to consult a specialist for personalized advice and help defining both an exercise routine and an appropriate diet.
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