over fat but under weight?

cem2168

So i went to the doctors yesterday and was told my thyroid is under active. they also told me that I am underweight (i weigh 121, I am "supposed" to weigh 127, I am 5'4'') but my body fat % is supposed to be around 20%, but right now it is at 22.6%... Should I increase my muscle mass with weight training? Do more cardio? I have had mono for the past month (I usually run every day) so my work outs have been non existent...could that have effected it? Please help!

mgreen10

Hey, you should definitely start doing some weight training to gain muscle so that in time it will take the place of fat.

MrBrown72

well that does generally leave only muscle or bone. Weight training will help both.

erickirb

So i went to the doctors yesterday and was told my thyroid is under active. they also told me that I am underweight (i weigh 121, I am "supposed" to weigh 127, I am 5'4'') but my body fat % is supposed to be around 20%, but right now it is at 22.6%... Should I increase my muscle mass with weight training? Do more cardio? I have had mono for the past month (I usually run every day) so my work outs have been non existent...could that have effected it? Please help!

Not sure what type of doctor you have but 121 is not underweight at 5'4. My wife is same higher and 120 and looks fine (had a baby 7 months ago). Not to mention your 22.6% body fat is extremely good, you are in the fit category:
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Classification Women (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12%
Athletes 14-20%
Fitness 21 -24%
Acceptable 25-31%
Obese 32%+ 3
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/body-fat-chart.php

BethanyMasters

Sounds like you need to get on a resistance / weight training workout.

You need to put on weight but it needs to be lean muscle weight of course and not fat. And when you put on lean muscle as long as you are eating right the fat should come off bringing your weight up and fat % down.

thedreamhazer

Did you ask the doctor for recommendations? If you are concerned and not sure what to do, I would definitely ask your doctor. Together, the two of you will be able to put together a pretty good picture of what's going on with your body. Ask your doctor what he/she thinks about your increasing weight training and if he/she has any dietary recommendations (or warnings) to go along with it.


Also -- Erikirb is right about the stats. What was the conversation? Was the doctor saying your body fat percentage was high for your weight? Once again, I refer back to the doctor.

End6ame

So i went to the doctors yesterday and was told my thyroid is under active. they also told me that I am underweight (i weigh 121, I am "supposed" to weigh 127, I am 5'4'') but my body fat % is supposed to be around 20%, but right now it is at 22.6%... Should I increase my muscle mass with weight training? Do more cardio? I have had mono for the past month (I usually run every day) so my work outs have been non existent...could that have effected it? Please help!

While I don't think you are really (that) under weight, this can happen it is referred to skinny-fat and is typically the result of neglecting any kind of strength training. I would look into ”The New Rules of Lifting” program or “StrongLifts 5x5” Both will allow you to start building muscle mass. Keep in mind that building onto your body requires calories, I would no less than your maintenance calories. At your BF% you will not gain muscle mass on a calorie deficit.

JennLifts

id do some weight training, but your bf isn't terrible by any means

erickirb

I agree she should lift but at only 22.6% body fat she is already pretty lean, not skinny fat, skinny fat is normal or underweight with BF% above normal ranges >25%.

JennLifts

So i went to the doctors yesterday and was told my thyroid is under active. they also told me that I am underweight (i weigh 121, I am "supposed" to weigh 127, I am 5'4'') but my body fat % is supposed to be around 20%, but right now it is at 22.6%... Should I increase my muscle mass with weight training? Do more cardio? I have had mono for the past month (I usually run every day) so my work outs have been non existent...could that have effected it? Please help!

Not sure what type of doctor you have but 121 is not underweight at 5'4. My wife is same higher and 120 and looks fine (had a baby 7 months ago). Not to mention your 22.6% body fat is extremely good, you are in the fit category:
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Classification Women (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12%
Athletes 14-20%
Fitness 21 -24%
Acceptable 25-31%
Obese 32%+ 3
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/body-fat-chart.php

I agree. i'm 5'4 and am 120. you're fine sister.

LorinaLynn

I know mono beat the hell out of me when I had it. I'm sure being sick for a month took it's toll.

That said, 22% body fat and your weight both sound perfect, normal and healthy, so I don't know what orifice your doctor is pulling those numbers from.

How do YOU feel? That's what's most important. If you feel sluggish after being sick (and who wouldn't!?) gradually ease back into your old routine. I wouldn't worry much about what the doctor said, other than to get the thyroid functioning normal.

cem2168

i am going to stick to my normal goal weight of 115.... I am not sure as to why he would think i am under weight... I think I should just try to incorporate more weigh training once im better from the mono...