Body Fat vs Weight

StephShuttle
StephShuttle Posts: 39 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've just weighed (WW scales) myself and noticed something odd when comparing this with the previous day. This morning I weighed 9st 13.25lbs with a body fat reading of 30.07. However the previous day I weighed 9st 12.75lbs with a body fat reading of 31%.

My question is, does the idea that I've lost fat while having a slight fluctuation in weight (damp hair, food still in belly, water levels) seem reasonable? I've stayed under or at my calorie limit both days so theoretically I should have lost weight.

Thanks for any help anyone can give!

Replies

  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    The bio impedance measuring that scales use to give %BF reading are very inaccurate and are affected considerably by hydration levels.
  • StephShuttle
    StephShuttle Posts: 39 Member
    StealthHealth wrote: »
    The bio impedance measuring that scales use to give %BF reading are very inaccurate and are affected considerably by hydration levels.

    Thanks for your help! I drank significantly more water yesterday than the previous. Could this have caused the weight to increase showing a decrease in fat percentage?
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    Yep, that could be the cause.

    With the scales %BF the best thing is (similar to weight actually) to consider the trend and not get worried with temporary blips like this one. As long as the weight an %BF are moving in the right direction you're good.
  • StephShuttle
    StephShuttle Posts: 39 Member
    Sweet, that makes sense!

    Sadly it's moved in the wrong direction today but as you say, a little blip isn't reasonable evidence to judge the trend. Thanks for your help :)
  • jolive7
    jolive7 Posts: 283 Member
    I agree that those scales are not accurate. While calipers are also not accurate, the method of measuring a skin fold for fat and comparing the exact same site will give you an indication of fat loss
  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    To add to what has been said already,water is classed as lean body mass (LBM) so the more water you have in your body, the lower the bodyfat %.
  • Whitezombiegirl
    Whitezombiegirl Posts: 1,042 Member
    Iove my bioimpedance scales. Its great to the the percentage go down. I find them reliable for trends. I am always the same percent at the same weight.

    I find that when im constipated the fat percentage goes down. Overall i like them though.
  • cityruss
    cityruss Posts: 2,493 Member
    Whitezombiegirl wrote: »
    Iove my bioimpedance scales. Its great to the the percentage go down. I find them reliable for trends. I am always the same percent at the same weight.

    I find that when im constipated the fat percentage goes down. Overall i like them though.

    BIA isn't reliable for trends, for that you'd have to have constant reliable data.

    Anything that is thrown off by differing levels of moisture, dead skin or dust/dirt on your feet can never be classed as reliable for anything.
  • CasperNaegle
    CasperNaegle Posts: 936 Member
    In my opinion nothing beats a scale, tape measure, and calipers.
This discussion has been closed.

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