Does BF% vary much?

justlistening

In addition to tracking my weight I am also tracking my BF%. My scale lists my weight and probably uses a small electrical charge to compute my BF%, water %, BMR, muscle mass and bone density. I know your weight fluctuates throughout the day and can be easily influenced by several characteristics. My question is does you BF% also have the same tendencies? What can influence your BF% given the way my scale works ?

hollywoodguy99

Yes, it is a much better wayto track yourself when you get closer to your goal weight.

See the following link for better more info. The whole site is fantastic.

http://www.builtlean.com/2010/05/04/ideal-body-weight-formula-how-to-calculate-your-ideal-weight/

vtmoon

BF formula has your weight factored in along with height and gender. so it changes a little with your weight changing but not as big a change since it's just part of the equation.

hollywoodguy99

I believe vtmoon is speaking of BMI formula.

Body Fat Percentage should only be taken every few weeks/monthly. A accumeasure caliper from Amazon is like $7.

See Link.

http://www.amazon.com/AccuFitness-Accu-Measure-Body-Fat-Caliper/dp/B000QURRUK/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1349976666&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=accumesasure

wilsonm24

In addition to tracking my weight I am also tracking my BF%. My scale lists my weight and probably uses a small electrical charge to compute my BF%, water %, BMR, muscle mass and bone density. I know your weight fluctuates throughout the day and can be easily influenced by several characteristics. My question is does you BF% also have the same tendencies? What can influence your BF% given the way my scale works ?

If you are using your scale to measure BF% and it is sending some sort of pulse through your feet to make it's calculation, then it may fluctuate. The Bioelectrical Impedance that these tests use are very dependent on a stable water levels in your body. Since the water levels vary continuously it is very difficult to get consistent readings from these things.

justlistening

Thanks everyone! I'm not sure how to use calipers but they sure are inexpensive and seem less influenced by other factors.