Muscle Plays a Role in Weight Loss—But Not How You Think

Summary: Many people think building muscle turns your body into a calorie-burning machine, but that is actually a myth. A pound of muscle only burns about 5 to 7 calories a day at rest, while fat burns about 2. Gaining muscle won't magically melt away fat while you sit on the couch.

Instead, the real magic of muscle is how it improves your overall health. It helps control your blood sugar by soaking up glucose from the food you eat. It also gives you the functional strength to handle daily life with ease. To build muscle and lose fat, experts say you should lift weights two to three times a week, eat plenty of protein, and get enough sleep. Finally, do not stress over the scale! It cannot tell the difference between fat, muscle, and water. Focus on how your clothes fit and how strong you feel instead.

For more details, see womenshealthmag at womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a71352983/how-muscle-affects-weight-loss/ (opens in new tab)