"skinny fat"

Iluvchopsticks

If you aren't convinced that exercise is a necessary part of your life, maybe this well help convince you. Here is a copy of my most recent blog post:
“skinny fat”

I was flipping through the November 2009 issue of Women’s Health yesterday and came across some numbers I thought should be shared. So many people are only focused on what they weigh and what size jeans they can fit in. They pay no attention to exercise and don’t always adopt the best habits but still come in at a normal weight. If you or someone you know falls into this group read this! The article mentioned that a Mayo Clinic study shows that more than half of “normal weight” Americans have dangerously high percentages of body fat and are at risk for obesity-related problems. Over 30 million Americans fall into this category!! This term has been labeled “normal-weight obesity” by researchers. Many of us simply know it as “skinny fat.” If a woman falls into this category her risk of dying from heart problems or stroke rises twofold.


These numbers should not be ignored!! The only way to prevent yourself from falling into this category is to not only adopt a well balanced diet but to get moving! It is so simple. Go for a walk, run, hit the gym or buy some home exercise DVDs. Some of my favorites include Beachbody programs such as P90X, Turbo Fire, Chalean Extreme, etc or Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, and Jackie Warner’s videos. People see amazing results from these and are able to build muscle and significantly cut down on their body fat percentages. If you don’t know your body fat percent find a fitness center, gym, or doctor that has a bod pod. Calipers are popular but not as accurate. Also there are many home scales that can measure body fat. They may not be as accurate as something like the bod pod but are a great start.

Kate_UK

Thanks for posting that. What are healthy levels of body fat? I've seen big variations on lots of websites.

Iluvchopsticks

I think it is difficult to put an absolute number on that but according to the American Council on exercise it is:


women/men
essential fat: 10-12%/2-4%
Athletes: 14-20%/ 6-13%
Fitness: 21-24%/ 14-17%
Acceptable: 25-31% / 18-25%
Obese: 32% / 26%

Most of the numbers I've seen are pretty similar. They may vary by a couple of percentage points here or there but for the most part I think it is a pretty good guide.

championnfl

Great info, thanks!

Lyadeia

Scales that measure body fat, and that thing that you hold in your hands (can't think of it's name) aren't as accurate as other ways to measure. I used one of those scales that measures body fat a couple of years ago, and it said I was 28% body fat. Interesting since I had just finished P90X for the second time, weighed 128 pounds, and was actually measured by a personal trainer BEFORE starting the program as having 24% body fat.

On the other hand, if you use those things to measure body fat consistently, it is important to note that while they are not completely accurate all the time, they will show a change in body fat that accurately measures whether or not your percentage is really going up or down. The progression is more important than the actual number unless you are measured by a professional, especially a doctor doing hydrostatic weighing.

superwmn

I have a lot of muscle on me so I always weigh in at the top of my height/weight range. The way I see it: WHO CARES!?

If I weighed 200lbs but wore a size 6, I wouldn't give a *kitten*. It's all about measurements/dress size. The number on the scale is ONE tool, but it's not the ONLY tool to gage progress.

Charmagne

rundgrenfan

I'll take "skinny fat" over my current "fatty fat" for now!

JDMPWR

Interesting read Kimmie

The absolute most accurate way to find out BF% and muscle mass....I am getting it done when i hit 190. The proper term is Hydrostatic testing.

http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/underwater.htm

Iluvchopsticks

Interesting read Kimmie

The absolute most accurate way to find out BF% and muscle mass....I am getting it done when i hit 190. The proper term is Hydrostatic testing.

http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/underwater.htm

Yes, hydrostatic weighing is the most accurate form out there. I've never done it but I hear it is quite an experience. The only problem is that it can be expensive or difficult to find a fitness center that uses this because it is an expensive machine. The bod pod is supposed to be just as accurate and a lot of health centers and doctors are buying this machine because it is easier and less expensive than uses hydrostatic testing. It is also smaller and takes up less space. People should look into both methods and see what is most affordable and accessible for them to use.