Are my scales broken or has my composition changed?

dazwan
dazwan Posts: 81 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
This isn't one of those "oh it must be reading too high" sarcastic comments.

I have a set of scales that measure Body Fat% as well as weight (its the type with electrodes on the plate NOT the kind with the handle as well). After taking up a regular cycle commute to work a few months ago my body fat has jumped up by 10% whilst my weight has come down. So what I want to know is whether or not its my scales that are wonky or if its just the composition of my body that has changed or even confused the scales?

I know its a bit of a myth that we can remove fat in certain parts of our bodies by exercising those areas specifically but does the body move fat around to where its needed the most? Can it be I'm carrying a bit more "spare fuel" around my thighs ready for my legs to use on longer rides?

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    scales arent accurate for measuring bodyfat.
  • dazwan
    dazwan Posts: 81 Member
    That's what I was expecting to hear. I expect the pros will say the only way to do this accurately is to get the callipers out and make the measurements around the body.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    pretty much, yep!
  • dazwan
    dazwan Posts: 81 Member
    Off to amazon I go then...
  • Shropshire1959
    Shropshire1959 Posts: 982 Member
    I know its a bit of a myth that we can remove fat in certain parts of our bodies by exercising those areas specifically but does the body move fat around to where its needed the most?

    Nope it's not a bit of a myth .... it's the whole thing.


    As for body fat ... Bioelectrical impedance (as you are finding) is pants.. ........Calipers, Bod-Pod, Dexa etc.. are the ways to go ..

Categories