We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Body Fat

jdavis193
jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I did one of the hand held tests and it said my Body Fat was 20.8!!! I was so proud... I am trying to cut it down!!I'm only 5'2 113lbs... I haven't been able to do much cardio or anything bc I had a stress line it's an early stress fracture so I had to quit for a few weeks. I am back!!

Replies

  • risefromruin
    risefromruin Posts: 483 Member
    Tha't's a great percentage!! Good job!!
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    Thank You!! It was way higher when I was in high school early college years!!! I would like to be about 17%
  • kirkemorgan
    kirkemorgan Posts: 88 Member
    Hate to tell you, a glass of water can could throw those things off, BUT if you pic is current you aren't too far off of that. deff below 30%. FYI, most trainers I've seen can't even do the skin calipers correctly, but you can use them to monitor changes in mm difference.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    Ya it was actually last year... I have lost more since that pic was taken... Ya it was just a rough estimate to.
  • Jamazurunner
    Jamazurunner Posts: 132
    Hate to tell you, a glass of water can could throw those things off, BUT if you pic is current you aren't too far off of that. deff below 30%. FYI, most trainers I've seen can't even do the skin calipers correctly, but you can use them to monitor changes in mm difference.

    Thank you for pointing this out. I was furious after a personal trainer calibrated my body fat incorrectly- she used the skin calipers and measured some of my muscle instead of fat.

    I think the handheld device may be a bit more accurate compared to someone poorly using the skin calipers. Either way, 20% body fat is a huge accomplishment! Congrats to you!
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    Thank You.. I drink about a gallon of water a day so I am very hydrated!!!
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    So I did one of the hand held tests and it said my Body Fat was 20.8!!! I was so proud... I am trying to cut it down!!I'm only 5'2 113lbs... I haven't been able to do much cardio or anything bc I had a stress line it's an early stress fracture so I had to quit for a few weeks. I am back!!

    Nice! Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if your BF% is actually a little lower than what the hand-held said. It's not uncommon for those to be off, especially on the high side.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    That would be nice!!!! I can't wait to get back to my regular routine. I can't do much on my feet right now!! So mostly abs and lifting some.
  • jo_marnes
    jo_marnes Posts: 1,601 Member
    Actually, I think most of you would be surprised. I was when I looked up some pics of women with certain body fat percentages (measured using a DEXA scan - the most accurate way of calculating). I estimated I would be around 10% (I'm very slim, workout a lot and have BMI of 18.5) and I changed my mind having seen those pics. I'd be over 15% for sure. Here is a rough idea what I'm talking about... http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages

    I also had my measurements done as a guinea pig during my sister's degree studies - they used 3 methods and I varied between 14% and 25%. I also used the handheld machine about 2 years ago (when I was way bigger) and it said 14% then!! There is just no accurate way to do it unfortunately. I'd LOVE to know my % for sure! xxx
This discussion has been closed.

Categories