This bodyfat stuff doesn't add up

[workoutfreak078]

I weighed myself today and my scale said I was 217 lbs with 16.4% bodyfat. I used my new calipers today and it said my bodyfat was 20%. Now, obviously I am going to go with the calipers. I used the Accu-Measure Fitness 3000. It says that 20% for my age (turning 21 this month) is average.

It also says that you lose .5% to 1% bodyfat a month, and that is if you are losing 1 - 2 pounds a week. If I lost 20lbs, I would definitely have a flat stomach. That would mean I was 18% bodyfat, which is definitely not lean. How does this even make sense? The only thing I can think of is the fact that height and how big of a person you are play a factor in how flat your stomach is at a higher bodyfat percentage. I am 6'1 and a pretty big guy. So, who knows, maybe I can have a flat stomach at 18% bodyfat.

This stuff just makes no sense to me.

 

[grafixLSUalum]

BIA are quick, and dazzle most people because they seem cool, but they are innacurate due to levels of hydration in the body.

Assuming you used proper landmarks and your caliper measurements were correct, you got yourself at 20% BF. So at 217lb, 43lb of that is fat. If you were to theoretically lose 20lb of fat only and gain no muscle weight, you would have a bodyweight of 197, with 23lb of fat. This would be about 11.5% body fat percentage, not 18%.

Hope this helps

 

[workoutfreak078]

BIA are quick, and dazzle most people because they seem cool, but they are innacurate due to levels of hydration in the body.

Assuming you used proper landmarks and your caliper measurements were correct, you got yourself at 20% BF. So at 217lb, 43lb of that is fat. If you were to theoretically lose 20lb of fat only and gain no muscle weight, you would have a bodyweight of 197, with 23lb of fat. This would be about 11.5% body fat percentage, not 18%.

Hope this helps

Thanks so much for clearing that up for me.

 

[fireguy7569]

Use a mirror, it works better.

 

[workoutfreak078]

Use a mirror, it works better.

I use a mirror all the time. I just like to know my bodyfat so I can re-adjust my diet and know what my goals are and what I should be doing. It's also a relief to know how much more fat you have to lose after you have been working so hard.