Need some guidance on the optimal zone for weight loss

[LisaEll]

I read the info on my fitbit that is in each of the dashboard metrics but am slightly confused. When I click on the day and it shows my time in the "heart rate zones" (cardio, fat burn), should I be aiming to keep things in the "fat burn" zone or the "cardio" zone. As I am getting back into shape, I am getting to the cardio zone more often but if I want weight loss, should my goal be to stay in " fat burn" zone? 

Many thanks, Lisa 

[Dominique]

Welcome to the community, @LisaEll!

Check this help article for more info on heart rate zones.

Here is my advice: don’t overthink the HR zone thing. Any time spent on the move, whether it’s formal or non-formal activity, is better than time spent sitting. Just focus on being active, and let your HR fall in whatever zone. Also make sure the intensity is safe for your current fitness level.

[Baltoscott]

Hi @LisaEll.  For weight loss you have to burn more calories than you take in over time.  If you are in the “cardio zone” that’s fine.  It’s good for you and it will increase your burn per unit of time more than the “fat burning” zone.  Agree with @Dominique that it is just important to get up and move more, regardless of what zone you wind up in.

But your real focus — for losing weight — should probably be in evaluating your eating patterns and figuring out some changes you can make long term that result in consuming fewer calories every day.  Make your own meals more often so you know that is going in it, add veggies to every meal (even breakfast) to help fill you up and give you all your nutrients, give up or cut in half some high calorie low nutrient foods you consume too often ... you get the idea.  

Welcome to the forums.  Now go take a hike 😉