Body Fat

[amyg]

I need to get to feeling better about my body fat % and was hoping you guys could help me out.

I have the scale that measures BF and it's always saying 28-30%. I only ever do the BF test at the same time of day, same hydration, etc- I make it as controlled as I can.

I don't really think it's right- that seems so high!!! I have muscles I can see (yes that is my litmus test), and I wouldn't think I'm necessarily overweight, although at 5'2" and 130 lbs I know I should probably lose some. I guess I'm over the pride I felt 3+ years ago for losing 45 lbs and probably 10% BF.

I've got BFFM but I'm kind of scared to start that since I'm not sure the scale is right. I'm thinking calipers are the way to go, but I don't see that as being any more accurate than the scale version, at least without spending big $$ and I'd rather spend it on 15 and 20 lb weights.

I guess I'm not feeling too good about myself and my body composition today.

 

[CDPotier]

Dear Amy,

I do not think that the scales that measure bodyfat are accurate at all. Your best bet is to go to the local Y or a personal trainer who can test your bodyfat using calipers. Calipers are much more accurate than scales in measuring bodyfact. In fact, I am certain that at your height and weight and working out the way you do, that you don't have 30% bodyfat. You can get decent calipers for only about twenty dollars or so, and you will also need to have somebody help you measure the back of your tricep as you won't be able to do that yourself.

I hope this helps.

 

[win1jam]

Hi Amy,

Do NOT feel bad!! I believe scales are *highly* innaccurate for measuring bodyfat. In fact, I've heard that instead of measuring your overall bodyfat...that the scales are more than likely just measuring the bodyfat in your lower body.

When I use my scales to measure my bodyfat, it says 22%. I *know* I'm not anywhere NEAR 22%!! My calipers have me right around 13%!! I trust my calipers...I can get the same reading on them no matter when I do them!

There are cheap calipers on ebay! Just do a search for accumeasure. I think I got mine for around 4 or 5$.

hth!! Feel better!!

Jamie

 

[toastythemosty]

I agree with Jamie. I think the ones like Omron tend to measure more of the lower half of your body. I should know, you can see my rib cage and veins popping out near my hip bones. I have probably like 4% bodyfat from the waist up and 10% below.

Charlotte~~

 

[Lunacat]

Amy,

I agree that the bf scales and the Omron are highly inaccurate. My Omron tells me every single morning that I have 25% body fat! My calipers read 18% which is the same as a caliper measurement I had from a professional.

So ignore what the scale actually says. Instead, use it to see if there's any change in bf percentage.

BTW, I got my Accu-measure calipers from www.bodybuilding.com for $14.00. They're worth it.

Becky

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

www.heartratemonitorsusa.com

I bought the Fat Track Gold for $25.99 and it is $50 every where else. I really like it. It's digital.

For the record, I have the Omron, the Fat Track Gold caliper, the cheapy plastic caliper and the scale that you stand on and it reads body fat...they all give me a very similar reading...within a few %'s.

Also (for the record), there is no "over the counter" method that will provide you with a 100% accurate "dead on" reading. They are "close enough" measures meant to be used as a guide. If your goal is to lose bodyfat then you should be fine with your scale...doesn't matter if it is right or not, it just needs to be consistant (sounds like it is). Then if it goes down, you know you lost bodyfat.

However, I of all people, can certainly relate to wanting an as close as possible measure of the actual %.

The best price on the hand held Omron (used by Ms. Fit) is at www.costco.com that is where I purchased mine for about $15 less than it is elsewhere.

HTH!!

 

[VickyWI]

Wow! I think I just read about myself! You are describing my thoughts from a month ago. I too bought a scale and it said 30% which is overweight?! I knew that couldn't be so I starting using a caliper which says 23-24%. I am still getting used to it. Don't go by your scale other than to measure improvement. My advice is to start BFFM. I did about 9 weeks ago and I have lost 6 lbs and I can see more definition. I think it is the mixing carbs and protein and the AM exercise. We all get down on ourselves but remember you are trying! You said you can see muscle, great for you! Not many people can say that. Remember fitness is a journey not a one day event! Vicky