How can we determine whether our weight loss is because of water loss or actual reduction in our body’s overall mass?

There are several ways to determine whether your weight loss is due to water loss or an actual reduction in your body's overall mass. Here are a few methods:

1. Measure your body fat percentage: You can use a body fat caliper or a DEXA scan to measure your body fat percentage. If your body fat percentage is decreasing, it's a sign that you're losing fat mass, not just water weight.

1. Track your weight over time: Keep track of your weight over a period of weeks or months. If you're losing weight consistently over time, it's likely that you're losing body fat, not just water weight.

1. Monitor your body measurements: Measure your waist circumference, hip circumference, and other body measurements. If you're losing inches in these measurements, it's a sign that you're losing body fat, not just water weight.

1. Look for changes in your body composition: If you're losing weight and your body composition is changing (e.g., your muscles are becoming more defined), it's a sign that you're losing body fat, not just water weight.

1. Check your urine output: If you're losing water weight, your urine output will increase. If you're losing body fat, your urine output will remain the same or decrease.

1. Check your sweat rate: If you're losing water weight, your sweat rate will increase. If you're losing body fat, your sweat rate will remain the same or decrease.

1. Use a body fat scale: A body fat scale can measure your body fat percentage and also estimate your water weight. This can help you determine whether your weight loss is due to water loss or an actual reduction in body fat.

It's important to note that weight loss is not always a straightforward process, and it's normal for weight to fluctuate due to various factors such as water retention, hormones, and digestion. However, by using a combination of these methods, you can get a better idea of whether your weight loss is due to water loss or an actual reduction in body fat.