A pound of muscle and a pound of fat weigh the same. However, muscle is more dense than fat, meaning it takes up less volume than an equal amount of fat. This explains why two things that weigh the same can look quite different and have different health effects. A pound of fat is bulky, fluffy, and about the size of a small grapefruit, while a pound of muscle is hard, dense, and about the size of a tangerine.

While it is a myth that muscle "weighs" more than fat, research shows that excess body fat can contribute to serious health conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It may be a good idea to talk to a doctor and find out if your body composition is optimal for your health goals. Keep in mind that everyone is different and no two bodies are alike.

In summary, muscle and fat weigh the same, but muscle is more dense than fat. Therefore, two things that weigh the same can look quite different and have different health effects.