Fat Mass Increase after 4 weeks of intense workout schedule

krescate
krescate Posts: 7
Okay so I'm so puzzled with this whole losing weight thing.

First off, I have been jogging 6 days a week for nearly two years now and the scale has not moved outside of the 141-145 lbs range at all. I run an average of 35 miles per week (long runs on Sundays). My pace is usually 10 min per mile.

About 4 weeks ago, I started a bootcamp style workout in another gym. I do this 5 times a week, Monday-Friday for 60 minutes. I've started counting my calories so now I eat with a deficit of 545 calories. I still jog on Saturdays: (5-7 miles) and Sundays (6-11 miles)

Here are the results of my weigh-ins: (Height : 5 ft 1 in.)
Week 1 - Weigh: 144.4 lbs, Fat Mass: 52.42 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 36.3%, Lean Mass: 91.98 lbs, Navel Inches: 35.25 inches
Week 2 - Weigh: 141.8 lbs, Fat Mass: 29.06 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 20.49%, Lean Mass: 112.74 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.25 inches
Week 3 - Weigh: 141.3 lbs, Fat Mass: 42.88 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 30.35%, Lean Mass: 30.75 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.75 inches

I don't understand why it looks like a gained all these fat mass. :frown:

I was a little disappointed with the weight loss too but I try to tell myself it's because I'm gaining more muscles. But now it looks like I lost lean mass and gain fat mass.

I'm so frustrated and disappointed. Please someone tell me what's going on. :sad:

12682870.png
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,264 Member
    Those numbers make no sense whatsoever over a 3 week period. You dropped 3 lbs in 3 weeks, not bad.
  • jhardenbergh
    jhardenbergh Posts: 1,035 Member
    If you are weighing in on a scale that calculates the body fat %, a lot can affect that number. The more hydrated you are the lower your body fat will read, I don't know if it will cut it as much as it did in week 2 for you, but you have to make sure the surface of the scale is very clean. If you are weighing in after lifting it could affect the weight. A lot of things can factor into inaccurate numbers.
  • firedragon064
    firedragon064 Posts: 1,082 Member
    You have it incorrect for week 2. It's impossible to lose 13 lbs of fat mass in a week.
    This website has the best method, using your measurement.
    http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/cbbf/
  • cutie2b
    cutie2b Posts: 194 Member
    It looks like you went from 36% to 20% to 30%. Most scales and hand held devices that measure body fat are inaccurate to some degree, and some are more inaccurate than others. With large jumps like that, I don't think you are getting accurate readings. As a previous person said, a lot of things can impact the calculations of those machines.

    Have you measured yourself? Are you losing inches? Do you have before and current photos? The people who have completed 30 Day Shred don't always lose a lot of weight, but from the photos you can really see the changes in their bodies. Are you seeing more tone or muscles in places?
  • I would take the first and last numbers you posted each week (weight, navel ") and ignore the rest. As said above, too many ways to miscalculate those numbers.

    To me, your schedule looks like a lot of exercise with no rest days. If you are eating at a 545 cal deficit, I'm guessing you're around 1,200-1,300 cals per day? Are you getting enough protein in to maintain lean body mass? What about essential fats?

    I would suggest dropping 2 of the boot camps, and maybe switch the Saturday run for some intervals to change things up. There is such a thing as too much work, and yoou've already said running is ineffective for your weight loss.

    Alan
  • Thank you so much for replying everyone.

    The numbers are from the bootcamp gym. We get weighed in every week, on Thursdays before workout. They measure our hips, waist, neck, arms and legs.

    I noticed that my pants are loose around the waist. I've compared the size of my belly from the photos I took in the past to the ones I took recently and it looks like it's gone down a few inches. I'm definitely noticing an increase in upper body strength.

    I'm in one of those programs where we're required to do bootcamp 5 days a week so I'm going to drop the jogging. Yes, I eat about 1,305 calories per day. From my food journal, I'm getting enough protein but I'm going to have to look into the essential fats.

    Thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at the website: http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/cbbf/

    I really appreciate everyone's input. It helps alleviate my craziness over losing weight. :-) I try to stay positive but sometimes it's hard when it looks like every one else is losing weight around me <sigh>.
  • manjingirl
    manjingirl Posts: 188 Member
    Just to reiterate, your results demonstrate the inaccuracy of measuring body fat %, and the resultant calculations of amount of body fat, lean mass etc.

    All fast methods are very inaccurate, including all hand held devices, all BIA devices (the ones you stand on like, or in conjunction with, a weight scale and the caliper measures (yes, these are subject to error too, no matter what the PT says).

    An immersion test or a dexa scan are more accurate, though still not 100%. Your tape measure and your clothes will guide you better if you need to monitor your body shape change. Your increased strength, energy, well being will be a guide as well.

    Your running sounds pretty good and congrats on the weight loss so far, looks like you're doing really well.
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    Krescate, if you don't mind me asking, what device did they use on you to take your body fat percentage? I use a body fat scale and Omron handheld monitor and I trust both of them. They give me the same reading.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,028 Member
    Okay so I'm so puzzled with this whole losing weight thing.

    First off, I have been jogging 6 days a week for nearly two years now and the scale has not moved outside of the 141-145 lbs range at all. I run an average of 35 miles per week (long runs on Sundays). My pace is usually 10 min per mile.

    About 4 weeks ago, I started a bootcamp style workout in another gym. I do this 5 times a week, Monday-Friday for 60 minutes. I've started counting my calories so now I eat with a deficit of 545 calories. I still jog on Saturdays: (5-7 miles) and Sundays (6-11 miles)

    Here are the results of my weigh-ins: (Height : 5 ft 1 in.)
    Week 1 - Weigh: 144.4 lbs, Fat Mass: 52.42 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 36.3%, Lean Mass: 91.98 lbs, Navel Inches: 35.25 inches
    Week 2 - Weigh: 141.8 lbs, Fat Mass: 29.06 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 20.49%, Lean Mass: 112.74 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.25 inches
    Week 3 - Weigh: 141.3 lbs, Fat Mass: 42.88 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 30.35%, Lean Mass: 30.75 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.75 inches

    I don't understand why it looks like a gained all these fat mass. :frown:

    I was a little disappointed with the weight loss too but I try to tell myself it's because I'm gaining more muscles. But now it looks like I lost lean mass and gain fat mass.

    I'm so frustrated and disappointed. Please someone tell me what's going on. :sad:

    12682870.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
    What are you using to measure your "fat"? If it's a bio impedance reader, then it's not accurate since water will totally throw it off.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • bry_all01
    bry_all01 Posts: 3,100 Member
    Krescate, if you don't mind me asking, what device did they use on you to take your body fat percentage? I use a body fat scale and Omron handheld monitor and I trust both of them. They give me the same reading.
    Ignore this woman. She'll drive you crazy with all her anecdotes.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition


    have I told you I heart you so hard?
  • Krescate, if you don't mind me asking, what device did they use on you to take your body fat percentage? I use a body fat scale and Omron handheld monitor and I trust both of them. They give me the same reading.

    AZackery, I don't know. They basically measure us and then email us the results after a couple of days. I don't know what device they use. I'm gonna look up the Omron handheld that you mentioned. I'll give that one a try.
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    Thank you so much for replying everyone.

    The numbers are from the bootcamp gym. We get weighed in every week, on Thursdays before workout. They measure our hips, waist, neck, arms and legs.

    I noticed that my pants are loose around the waist. I've compared the size of my belly from the photos I took in the past to the ones I took recently and it looks like it's gone down a few inches. I'm definitely noticing an increase in upper body strength.

    I'm in one of those programs where we're required to do bootcamp 5 days a week so I'm going to drop the jogging. Yes, I eat about 1,305 calories per day. From my food journal, I'm getting enough protein but I'm going to have to look into the essential fats.

    Thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at the website: http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/cbbf/

    I really appreciate everyone's input. It helps alleviate my craziness over losing weight. :-) I try to stay positive but sometimes it's hard when it looks like every one else is losing weight around me <sigh>.

    If you're smaller but weigh about the same you have NOT gained fat. Those calculators are unreliable at best. Stick with the measurements as your benchmark of success. Most of us really just want to be smaller and stronger - and at the end of the day the scale doesn't really matter if we feel and look good, right?

    :flowerforyou:

  • What are you using to measure your "fat"? If it's a bio impedance reader, then it's not accurate since water will totally throw it off.

    I get measured at the gym. They email us the results afterwards. I will ask them what they're using. I've tried a couple of websites to get my own results and they all vary.
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    Krescate, if you don't mind me asking, what device did they use on you to take your body fat percentage? I use a body fat scale and Omron handheld monitor and I trust both of them. They give me the same reading.

    AZackery, I don't know. They basically measure us and then email us the results after a couple of days. I don't know what device they use. I'm gonna look up the Omron handheld that you mentioned. I'll give that one a try.


    They probably used a caliper. For the Omron Handheld monitor, you will have to input your weight each time. You can buy the device at Academy or check Amazon.com. That's where I have gotten mine.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    There is no way you lost that much fat in week 2.

  • If you're smaller but weigh about the same you have NOT gained fat. Those calculators are unreliable at best. Stick with the measurements as your benchmark of success. Most of us really just want to be smaller and stronger - and at the end of the day the scale doesn't really matter if we feel and look good, right?

    :flowerforyou:

    LOL! That is true. If we feel and look good then it's a good sign. Yeah, I just want to be smaller. Especially my stomach. It's been nearly 11 years since I had a six-pack.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    They probably used a caliper. For the Omron Handheld monitor, you will have to input your weight each time. You can buy the device at Academy or check Amazon.com. That's where I have gotten mine.

    didn't we already have a very lengthy discussion that BIA devices were the absolute worse out all the different things you could do to determine bf%?
  • Just to reiterate, your results demonstrate the inaccuracy of measuring body fat %, and the resultant calculations of amount of body fat, lean mass etc.

    All fast methods are very inaccurate, including all hand held devices, all BIA devices (the ones you stand on like, or in conjunction with, a weight scale and the caliper measures (yes, these are subject to error too, no matter what the PT says).

    An immersion test or a dexa scan are more accurate, though still not 100%. Your tape measure and your clothes will guide you better if you need to monitor your body shape change. Your increased strength, energy, well being will be a guide as well.

    Your running sounds pretty good and congrats on the weight loss so far, looks like you're doing really well.

    Yeah, I'll let my tape measure and clothes guide me. I am definitely liking the energy level. Thank you.
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    They probably used a caliper. For the Omron Handheld monitor, you will have to input your weight each time. You can buy the device at Academy or check Amazon.com. That's where I have gotten mine.

    didn't we already have a very lengthy discussion that BIA devices were the absolute worse out all the different things you could do to determine bf%?

    I'm surprised you aren't on her ignore list like the rest of us. :flowerforyou:

    Seriously, though, measure inches, stand on the scale, look at the mirror, determine how you feel and how your clothes fit...cause those numbers they email you are nowhere near correct. They'd be WORSE if you used an Omron handlheld monitor, by the way. That thing tells me, uh-hem, I'm obese. I guess I'm too hydrated for an "accurate" reading or something. Body fat scales suck too. I have one...I stand on it cause the weight is accurate according to my tests with putting known dumbbell weights on it...but last week it said that my body fat % was 37%. Do I look anything like 37% body fat to you? DO NOT trust those devices.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member


    AZackery, I don't know. They basically measure us and then email us the results after a couple of days. I don't know what device they use. I'm gonna look up the Omron handheld that you mentioned. I'll give that one a try.


    They probably used a caliper. For the Omron Handheld monitor, you will have to input your weight each time. You can buy the device at Academy or check Amazon.com. That's where I have gotten mine.
    [/quote]

    ROFL. How on earth did you arrive at that conclusion, based on what the poster said? Seriously?

    Anyhoo, how's the weightloss going, azackery?
  • Sublog
    Sublog Posts: 1,296 Member
    Okay so I'm so puzzled with this whole losing weight thing.

    First off, I have been jogging 6 days a week for nearly two years now and the scale has not moved outside of the 141-145 lbs range at all. I run an average of 35 miles per week (long runs on Sundays). My pace is usually 10 min per mile.

    About 4 weeks ago, I started a bootcamp style workout in another gym. I do this 5 times a week, Monday-Friday for 60 minutes. I've started counting my calories so now I eat with a deficit of 545 calories. I still jog on Saturdays: (5-7 miles) and Sundays (6-11 miles)

    Here are the results of my weigh-ins: (Height : 5 ft 1 in.)
    Week 1 - Weigh: 144.4 lbs, Fat Mass: 52.42 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 36.3%, Lean Mass: 91.98 lbs, Navel Inches: 35.25 inches
    Week 2 - Weigh: 141.8 lbs, Fat Mass: 29.06 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 20.49%, Lean Mass: 112.74 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.25 inches
    Week 3 - Weigh: 141.3 lbs, Fat Mass: 42.88 lbs, Bodyfat Percentage: 30.35%, Lean Mass: 30.75 lbs, Navel Inches: 30.75 inches

    I don't understand why it looks like a gained all these fat mass. :frown:

    I was a little disappointed with the weight loss too but I try to tell myself it's because I'm gaining more muscles. But now it looks like I lost lean mass and gain fat mass.

    I'm so frustrated and disappointed. Please someone tell me what's going on. :sad:

    12682870.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

    Without reading the replies - if you're running 35 miles per week and not losing weight, you MUST be eating a crap load of calories to offset the calories you've burned jogging

    Also, don't pay attention to those handheld BIA machines. There is a large variance in readings.
This discussion has been closed.