What is the difference between losing weight and losing inches?

Can ssomeone please tell me what the difference is between losing weight and losing inches. I was advised that working out on the treadmill loses inches and not weight but isn't that the same thing? Also what are Cardio machines?..does a stepper count as a Cardio machine? Thanks ;o)

Public Comments

1. Losing weight means losing pounds, while losing inches means losing size, or getting smaller. Often times when people increase their exercise, they do not lose much weight but end up losing inches. This is because muscle is heavier than fat, but takes up less room. This is why size measurement are usually more accurate than weight. Working out on the treadmill you could lose both inches and weight, but since your legs would become more toned, you probably wouldn't lose all that much weight. When people refer to a cardio machine, they just mean a machine that allows you to work your cardiovascular system (your heart). This includes an elyptical or stepper, a bike, or a treadmill. You don't need a machine, though. Running and walking are great exercises, and you don't need a treadmill to do them. Swimming is another great exercise.
2. It is the same,and yes to your 2nd question
3. Sometimes working out will cause your body to loose fat and bulk up muscle, in this case you will loose inches and you will feel thinner but your actual weight may stay the same because the muscle you are gaining weighs more than fat. Don't worry so much about the actual weight on the scale, the measurments are more important in overall slimming down.
4. weight loss- losing fat inch loss- losing fat while building muscle
5. wirght means your getting thinner and inches means your getting shorter