Can You Replace Body Fat With Muscle?

Participate in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day. According to Dukehealth.org, aerobic exercise is the most effective form of exercise for burning fat. Running, swimming, and biking are all forms of aerobic exercise. How long it will take you to burn excess body fat depends on your consistency and workout intensity level. According to the American Exercise Council a healthy rate of fat loss is one to two pounds per week.

Dedicate at least two days a week to muscle-building exercises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend two or more days a week strengthening major muscle groups such as legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. Complete three sets of eight to 12 repetitions for each resistance or weight training exercise. Focus on proper form and completing the full range of motion for each repetition. Progressively increase weight as you become stronger.

Eat a cleaner, healthier diet. There are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat. Burning 500 calories per day more than the amount of calories you consume equates to one pound of fat loss per week. The University of Alabama recommends counting calories to make sure you consume the correct amount of calories per day. Consuming too little can lead your body to conserve fat and burning muscle for energy; consuming too much converts excess calories into fat. Installing a calorie-counting app on your phone or computer can help to keep you on track. A clean diet consists of lean meat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, butter, and sugary drinks.