body fat percentage question

dbredenberg
dbredenberg Posts: 15
edited September 22 in Health and Weight Loss
I have a Tanita scale that measures body fat percentage. It's older now, over 10 years old. I realize it's inaccurate, but it's always been consistent for me so at least it gives me an idea of whether I'm gaining or losing body fat.

Here's my question. I've been working out two months, gained some muscle (I can see that), and lost 7 lbs. But I've only lost 0.5% body fat. I weigh 212 now, and would like to think I've gained 7 lbs muscle which would mean I've lost 14 lbs of fat. But that would mean I should have lost 7% body fat. Even if I gained no muscle I should have lost 3.5% body fat.

What's going on here? Am I losing more lean body mass than fat, or is my scale basically useless for body fat measurement? I don't want to go to some specialist to get my body fat tested, because what's important to me is to test it regularly over time so I can see my progress, not to pay a bunch of money to get a single accurate reading.

Replies

  • CarterGrt
    CarterGrt Posts: 289 Member
    I read somewhere that scales were basically useless in calculating body fat. You have to either do the caliper test or, even more accurate, the submersion test, to really measure body fat. Of course, the technology could have improved, but I have always been skeptical that I could stand on something and it could tell me my body fat percentage.

    I will be interested to read what others contribute here.

    --Carter
  • arsenal45
    arsenal45 Posts: 211 Member
    My scale says I'm 22%, which is about 14% off. Calipers are more accurate and five bucks on E-bay.
  • ClaudiaHong
    ClaudiaHong Posts: 9
    I would suggest not getting hung up about BF percentages - how you look in the mirror , how you feel (taut skin) and how your clothes are fitting should be a pretty good indicator
  • Shawnalee0703
    Shawnalee0703 Posts: 1,093
    Make sure you are eating enough and that you are eating all over the board, carbs, proteins and fats. I couldn't explain it but like you said, it's not accurate so maybe it's WAY off. They have new ones. WW makes a pretty decent one. The weight is VERY accurate and the % is close... You could also go and get a caliper test done or a dunk tank for a more accurate number.
  • msbanana
    msbanana Posts: 793 Member
    IMHO your scale is worthless.
    There are too many variables that can effect that type of body fat measurement. I have a bodybuilder friend who is seriously about 8% bodyfat when he isn't in show form and the electronic body fat calculators but him at like 20% or something totally stupid. They aren't accurate for me either I'm built like a brick sh!thouse and they always tell me I'm fatter than I actually am.

    I'd really recommend getting a fat caliper. They're fairly inexpensive (you can find them for like $10) and learn how to measure wth it. It'll give you a far more accurate number.

    Good luck with the old scale. :drinker:
  • safetyscott
    safetyscott Posts: 66 Member
    i like this site...so far it seems the closest without seeing a professional. Its used by the US navy .


    http://fitness.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Body-Fat-Navy
  • msbanana
    msbanana Posts: 793 Member
    i like this site...so far it seems the closest without seeing a professional. Its used by the US navy .


    http://fitness.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Body-Fat-Navy

    I just tried this... it's WAAAAY off for me. It has me at 33% (Which was what I was 60 pounds ago)... In actuality I'm at ~22% that was the last time I was measured and I've lost a couple pounds and a few inches since then... again could just be me.
  • Shawnalee0703
    Shawnalee0703 Posts: 1,093
    i like this site...so far it seems the closest without seeing a professional. Its used by the US navy .


    http://fitness.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Body-Fat-Navy

    I just tried this... it's WAAAAY off for me. It has me at 33% (Which was what I was 60 pounds ago)... In actuality I'm at ~22% that was the last time I was measured and I've lost a couple pounds and a few inches since then... again could just be me.

    these online tests and even the calipers don't work for me. I have no connective tissues and a large amount of muscle mass lol I need to just go get dunked for crying out loud!

    55 lbs ago the calipers said I was 21% hahahahahah In my dreams! lol Pain in my *kitten*!
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,178 Member
    i like this site...so far it seems the closest without seeing a professional. Its used by the US navy .


    http://fitness.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Body-Fat-Navy
    I'm impressed. I just had mine done Friday, and it was 23% This one came out to be 24%. That's pretty darned close. I have one of those Tanita scales too. It's worthless. Just for grins, I'll go see what it says I am. BRB... 30.5%.
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,178 Member
    FYI, this morning, my Tanita scale says my BF is 32%.
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