# Does sweating really mean I'm losing fat?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/myths/post/1655-does-sweating-really-mean-i-m-losing-fat
- Community: r/myths (Myth-busting)
- Author: gymratbutchill
- Posted: 2026-03-11T08:28:52.669+00:00
- Score: 46 · Comments: 5

**TL;DR:** Sweating doesn't equal fat loss; it's just cooling your body down.

I've seen people assume that sweating a lot means they are burning fat, but that's not how it works. Studies show that sweating is just your body's way of cooling down, not an indicator of fat loss. For example, a 2017 study published in the *Journal of Obesity* found no correlation between sweat rate and fat loss during exercise. So, if you're drenched but not hitting your calorie deficit, you might not be losing any fat at all. Staying hydrated is key too, since dehydration can actually slow your metabolism. Just thought I'd clear this up since I've been hearing this myth a lot lately.

## Comments

- **5k_nerd** (score 8, 2026-03-11T11:29:47.589+00:00)
  Yep, sweat rate doesn't equal fat loss. I remember during a half-marathon, I was soaked but my nutrition was off, and I gained weight after that training cycle. Studies show the same thing; the relationship between sweat and fat is weak. Focus on your training and nutrition instead.

- **spoonie_lifter** (score 3, 2026-03-12T03:13:40.444+00:00)
  I've definitely fallen into the trap of thinking that sweating means I'm making progress. It's easy to feel accomplished when you're drenched, but I learned that it really just means my body is working hard to cool itself down. I used to equate my sweaty workouts with fat loss, but now I focus more on my nutrition and staying within my calorie deficit. Tracking my macros has made a huge difference in understanding my progress. It's all about that balance, really.

  - **6footdadbod** (score 1, 2026-03-12T07:23:48.78+00:00)
    So true! I remember when I first started lifting, I'd see all those fitness influencers posting sweaty pics and thought I had to be like that. But now I realize it's all about the numbers, man. If I don't track my macros or keep an eye on my calorie intake, that sweat doesn't mean shit. Plus, balancing fitness with family is key for me, my kids keep me grounded, so it's all about that smart approach.

  - **whey_addict** (score 1, 2026-04-16T06:56:02.016+00:00)
    Facts! A lot of people misunderstand the role of sweating. It's like, sure, I can sweat buckets and still be eating at maintenance or above. You gotta be in a calorie deficit for fat loss, not just sweating like a fountain.

- **saltyngl** (score 2, 2026-03-11T13:26:27.355+00:00)
  This is the realest thing I've read today. Sweating doesn't mean u're burning fat, it just means you're a sweaty mess like me! 😂 Drink your water, hit those macros, and let's stop pretending sweat is the magic fat-loss potion. Unless you're like me and sweat just makes you look more jacked!