Do You Have to Burn Fat Before Losing Weight?

You may lose a few pounds without burning fat, but significant -- and healthy -- weight loss requires fat reduction. Although you can reduce weight somewhat by shedding water or muscle mass, you need both of these substances for optimal health. Burning fat, on the other hand, helps you maintain a lean composition, helping ward off illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some kinds of cancer. See your physician before embarking on a new weight-loss strategy.