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Question about Fat Mass/Fat Index

  • 14-06-2013 9:17am
    #1
    Clemenza
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 297 ✭✭


    Hi guys

    2 weeks ago I did one of those print out body measurement thingies in the local pharmacy.

    It said I was 6'2, 13st 11lbs/87.7kg with a fat index of 19.5% and a fat mass of 2.9stone/17kg.

    I'm happy with how I look apart from a small gut that has developed due to bread and beer, so in the last 2 weeks I've sorted my diet out completely, not a drop of alcohol or any food deemed bad, and work out an hour a day on a weight bench I bought as well as walking a lot.

    Re-weighed myself this morning and 3 lbs in 2 weeks, but it says my fat index and mass has gone UP from 19.5% to 25.7% and 2.9stone to 3.7stone.

    How can this be and what does it mean?

    And are those machines accurate?

    Thanks :)


Comments

  • #2
    TheBellJar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 424 ✭✭TheBellJar


    Clemenza wrote: »
    Hi guys


    And are those machines accurate?

    Thanks :)

    Short answer = No. Go and get your skinfolds done with callipers- much more accurate way of assessing your bodyfat %, just make sure you go to someone who knows how to take a proper reading.


  • #3
    thegreatiam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,869 ✭✭✭thegreatiam


    those machines are very inaccurate and can be way off even if you simply drink more water on one day.

    there are more accurate tests but youll need to get them done by a professional.

    Before you do that think if you actually need to know your BF %

    knowing if you are 19% or 22% probably doesnt give you any information you can use.
    and at around 20% BF youll actually be able to see when you lose body fat. A visual estimate is more than enough. Unless there is an overriding reason to know your body fat I would pay it no mind.

    it will just be another fluctuating number that you can obsess over without supplying you with anything usefull. same as your weight.

    You may be better off simply tracking your progress with picture records instead. They will give you a much better reference as to how much your body has changed.


  • #4
    TheChizler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,514 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    If you do a running average over a few weeks it should filter out these discrepancies.


  • #5
    Clemenza
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 297 ✭✭Clemenza


    Thanks for the help guys :)

    The picture record is a great idea, I'll start that today.


  • #6
    runawaybishop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,512 ✭✭✭runawaybishop


    Ignore the scales and bf measurements, how your clothes fit is a far better method of measuring your success. People seems to obsess over what the scales say each day - a better indicator is having to replace your shirts because your gunz no longer fit and having to tighten your belt.

    The pic record is a good idea, you'd be surprised how big a difference you will see when you compare.


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