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Bio impedance errors?

lorib642
lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a scale that determines body fat through your feet. I don't know how accurate it is. It always tells me I am obese. Today the fat% is lower and is reading in the overweight range. But, my weight is higher than it had been last week (not a lot, it fluctuates).

If I am more hydrated will the bf% read lower?

Replies

  • neutroncore
    neutroncore Posts: 36 Member
    If you're more hydrated that means more water contribute to your weight and body fat% will be less in percentage not the actual weight. Also keep in mind if you're exercising you may have more muscle mass that replaced some fat %.... keep positive thoughts. Also; usually scale body composition lack accuracy, but they give a brief idea of approximation, I would take the numbers conservatively, Wishing you good luck.
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    This method of body mass measurement is not very accurate. The readings can vary wildly depending on many factors. Mine jumps up and down weekly. I really don't pay much attention to it other than from a very high level (I can see a general trend downwards over the past year and that is good).
  • Yisrael1981
    Yisrael1981 Posts: 132 Member
    BIA is a pretty inaccurate way of measuring body fat... Water retention can easily influence the results. I'd recommend a dexascan
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    thanks. water retention reads as less fat?

    I don't need to know my body fat %. I know it is too high. It is just a feature of the scale. It has been reading pretty steady though, until now. I have been sick the past week.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    lorib642 wrote: »
    If I am more hydrated will the bf% read lower?

    It should be higher. Water inhibits the flow of electricity, similar to fat. The scale measures how easily electricity flows through your body.

  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    lorib642 wrote: »
    If I am more hydrated will the bf% read lower?

    It should be higher. Water inhibits the flow of electricity, similar to fat. The scale measures how easily electricity flows through your body.

    Oh, thanks
This discussion has been closed.

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