Should I focus on losing weight?

[Shadyfruit]

I'm currently dissatisfied with my appearance, and wish to do something with it. However, I'm honestly not sure what to do. My weight is at the moment 45kg (I am 152cm tall, 19 years old), and I have been as low as 42kg but didn't exactly see anything positive from being underweight. I realized I must be what is called "skinny fat", and I have to replace the fat on my body with muscle. My goal is to have a slimmer body, maybe somewhat toned, but I have no idea what this ideal body's weight would be.

Because I want to gain some muscle instead (not extremely much), does it mean I should set my fitbit weight goal as "maintain"? Should I lose some weight first, and then set to "maintain"/"gain" when switching to focus on muscle? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'd just like some advise on what I should do.

[Dominique]

At 45kg/152cm (BMI 19.5), I would definitely focus on gaining muscle, not losing weight. The optimal conditions for gaining muscle are: 1) lift weights following an intelligent program (= based on progressive overload), 2) be in a reasonable caloric surplus, 3) eat enough quality protein, 4) get enough sleep, minimize stress. I know it’s hard for many women to accept the idea the number on the scale will be increasing for some time (see this post for an interesting take on it), but that’s what it takes if you want to be more "toned".

[Shadyfruit]

Thank you for your reply! I'll try my best and just build up my body with muscle, but I have another question if that is alright to ask. I have been using the calorie counter on Fitbit, with 500 cal deficit, should I just switch to eating the same amount of calories as I am burning then, since I am not trying to lose weight? 

[WavyDavey]

I would go for a calorie surplus to fuel muscle building. It takes a lot of calories to build and maintain muscle mass. 

[Mukluk4]

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wrote:

I'm currently dissatisfied with my appearance, and wish to do something with it. However, I'm honestly not sure what to do. My weight is at the moment 45kg (I am 152cm tall, 19 years old), and I have been as low as 42kg but didn't exactly see anything positive from being underweight. I realized I must be what is called "skinny fat", and I have to replace the fat on my body with muscle. My goal is to have a slimmer body, maybe somewhat toned, but I have no idea what this ideal body's weight would be.

Because I want to gain some muscle instead (not extremely much), does it mean I should set my fitbit weight goal as "maintain"? Should I lose some weight first, and then set to "maintain"/"gain" when switching to focus on muscle? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'd just like some advise on what I should do.

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First off, if you are going to go the strength training route, you need to throw out the scale as it will be a detriment to any goal related to building muscle.  You should focus more on body measurements.

From a caloric standpoint, since you don't have much weight to begin with, you'll need to eat at a surplus (at least 500).  Fitbit isn't a great tracker for that type of diet, but if you can focus on quality food, portion control is something that you shouldn't have to worry about.

From a routine standpoint, since you are relatively new to the process.  Either work with a trainer or start a simple program to get you started. I personally suggest StrongLifts 5x5 as it's simple (5 exercises, 3 times a week) and has a great app for tracking purposes and how-to videos.

[emili]

you have to be patient if you choose to commit to doing this. gaining strength isn't like losing weight. as hard as it is for some to lose weight, you actually get immediate gratification the first few weeks. with strength training, that is not the case. the first few weeks even months possibly you will see very little change. you will be sore (in a good way and expected), you will feel stronger, things will seem easier than they did at the start, but you won't actually see it. which for women is a great big de-motivator. do your research about how to start, how often, how heavy, how light, how many reps, what role cardio may play if any, what to eat, how much.. you need to be armed with information so you do it right and it is sustainable. what worked for me, isn't going to work for you and what worked for a guy, isn't going to work for you.. read.. I strongly encourage you to do research and figure out what will work for you.