News
So where does the fat actually go when you lose weight?

By Brian Foley from Activate Fitness
Following on from last week's article 'Can you really flush the fat away?', this week we take a look at Part 2 and examine where the fat goes as we lose weight.
If we eat too much of any macronutrient, it’s converted into fat and stored in fat cells. Out of fat, carbs, and protein, fat is the easiest for the fat cells to hoard, because it’s already in the correct form.
But that doesn’t mean that carbs and protein can’t find their way into fat cells.
It’s not as easy for the body to do that, but yes: if you eat too much protein, it’s eventually going to be stored as fat.
When the fat cells you already have fill up and can’t hold any more fat, new fat cells can grow.
It’s also hugely important to note at this point; that fat cells, like any other cells in our bodies, don’t turn into other cells. For all of those people who swear that not exercising for a long time will turn your muscle into fat, that’s never going to happen.
Fat cells. Muscle cells. Different things.
When fat cells die, they very quickly get replaced by new ones. That’s because the body likes homeostasis, otherwise known as ‘keeping things the way they are’.
In other words, our fat cells don’t go away - ever, not unless they’re surgically removed via liposuction or another procedure.
So…what happens to fat when we lose weight?
Let’s clarify something right off the bat. We lose fat the same way we gain it; in fractions of ounces at a time, not by pounds. Just like you won’t wake up the morning after a huge meal with 1kg of new fat gain, you won’t drop kgs of fat at a time.
Weight loss can be quick, generally when you have a lot of weight to lose – but for most of us, true fat loss (versus water) is an incremental process.
When we lose fat, we literally breathe it out. The fat in our bodies is converted to water and carbon dioxide, and expelled by the lungs and in our urine.
As the fat leaves our fat cells, these cells get smaller. But they don’t disappear completely, even when you lose weight. They stand by if and when they need to get bigger again.
They’re like balloons, except they fill up with fat instead of air. Deflate, inflate. Deflate, inflate.
Trying to lose weight
I get it, it can be impossible to know where to turn, but anyone putting a time limit on it without understanding your unique circumstances is a chancer.
But as I said before, people who try to sell you false information and claims are not who you should be looking to for nutrition advice.
Losing weight is tough, and it can be very complex. It’s truly often a mix of physical and emotional challenges that are best left to a professional who is able to navigate these things - not a supplement selling ‘coach’, someone on Instagram, or a person who doesn’t have credible nutrition and counselling experience.
If you would like some free advice from qualified professionals, visit www.activate.ie/nutrition.
News
World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit
Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.
The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.
The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.
The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.
Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.
He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
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“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.
“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”
This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales
News
National Park Autumn talks series 2023
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.
Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.
The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.
The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.
The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.
The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.
The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.
All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.
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