If that's the case for an individual--especially female--will the concurrent fat loss and muscle gain continue at roughly the same pace? In other words, will the person remain roughly the same size, but have the fat parts of the body become more muscular without the size diminishing?

That's a question that can't be answered.

Thanks for the reply, Steve.

I assume from your answer that you mean that each case is different.

Let's assume that an obese person does weight training, and the fat areas simply become muscle areas with no change in size. Is it possible to later reduce the size of these areas (calves, thighs, biceps, etc)?

Fat doesn't turn into muscle.

OK, poor choice of words. If a person develops, say, large calves, is there a way to make them slimmer?

Lose fat.

Chances are good that fat loss will cut inches down eventually.

Question about the girl lifting weights in the photo;

Her arms are quite muscular looking to me, I don't want my arms becoming that pumped up.

I did read that the professional weight lifting women competitors are on the drugs to get really big arms...

So would she be considered a pro?
OR
would it be just as simple as once I got to a certain size, I can balance out how pumped up that I really want them?

Kelly Rippa's arms are nice too, but I still don't want that much showing of muscle. I know I have quite a bit of a "distorted view" (I actually have Distorted Self-Image)

so I am just wondering.

Thanks for the info.

P.S. I have seen the booty shorts and sports bra at my classes too. But I think it's more of a it's bloody hot! Or if you got it flaunt it. I cover it<<jiggle jiggle

I was curious from reading all the negative comments directed towards the female model. I have a few comments of my own and it's my opinion and I am sticking by it :

1) In my experience there are 'types' of people that go to the gym (a lot of this applies to guys also, but since the post is about women...let's stick to that gender). As far as women, it's usually the ones that go to 'look cute' and wear the skimpy outfits. As much as they try to hide it, they are still very insecure to need constant reinforcement from the opposite sex. Usually, what I inotice is they do a half-ass workout because they are too busy impressing the guys and don't want to sweat because they don't want to perspire or ruin their 'look' or some other such nonsense. They spend most of their gym time trying to solicit some social interaction instead of sculpting their bods.

Then, there are others that actually go to workout. Sometimes they are very attractive women and sometimes they are not, but they usually don't look 'made up' or wear overly revealing attire. You just can't concentrate on lifting, kicking, jumping or whatever if your boob is about to pop out of your top or your shorts are coming up your butt. These women understand they are there to sweat and get the most out of their time at the gym. They usually don't consider the gym a meat market.

But for me, whatever type the person falls under, I don't really mind as long as I get to do my workout. To me, if you need to be the center of attention constantly...that's cool as long as you don't expect special treatment from me. I hate when other women think women will also cater to them because men do it. Sorry, but jiggling or smiling does not translate the same way when your're dealing with your own gender. To me, I will respect you as long as you respect me, that's my motto!

2) As far as the female physique, I dont' consider that woman in the pictures muscular by any means. She is a work in progress just like most of us here. I wasn't sure if I was looking at the wrong pictures. But, I don't see muscular women as unattractive and I don't find muscles intimidating in the least. It is just a matter of personal preference. Personally, I find muscles on women very sexy. It shows that you are not only attractive for the usual T&A factor, but also for your physical strength, and yes, I think a woman that can kick butt is pretty awesome.

On another level, I would not workout to the point of having 8% body fat and being totally ripped because I don't want my own body to look that way, but I also don't want to look 'small' and fragile. That to me, is not sexy, but simply undernourished. As far as serious female body building, I am just not into putting that much energy and effort into anything unless I was going to compete, but I don't find it unattractive on a woman more than a man. I think there is just a point of overdoing the whole muscle thing where it just looks totally unnatural.

Other than that, I will defiinitely read the info and see if there's anything I can incorporate into my current routine.

Seriously? I went back and looked specifically at her arms in every photo and I don't see ANY definition. It might be a function of the way she's holding herself for the camera, but I see slim arms w/out any visible muscle.

I think you need to take this into consideration:
If you want saggy arms, then go for it. But I think everyone looks better with a little tightness to the arms and shoulders.