Traditional scales tell you one number: your total body weight. They can’t tell you whether that weight comes from muscle or fat, whether you are losing fat while preserving muscle. That distinction is important because body composition plays an important role in metabolic health. Research increasingly recognizes that excess body fat combined with relatively low muscle mass can carry different health implications than body weight alone.

Some carbohydrates, especially those high in fiber and with a lower glycemic impact, can actually support steady energy, better blood sugar control, and longer-lasting fullness.