Body Fat %?

[Debie]

Curious, my body fat has gone up since starting. Is this normal? I have been reading the book and don't recall coming across that (however just finished chapter 11).


Should I be concerned or ignore it for now?


Thanks!

[Georgiana]

Re: Body Fat %?

From your signature, you have started Atkins something like a week ago... which makes me believe your body fat was not measured by a doctor, but with one of those fancy scale.

If this is the case, don't worry, the numbers vary a lot during a day. You can have a certain fat percentage in the morning before eating anything, and 5% more in the evening... or less. I think ValidRouge (?) had a post about this a while ago.

____

I can't find the post, sorry...

[Elsie150]

Re: Body Fat %?

Also I think the only true way to measure fat is to do a water submersion test. Better to go by your weight and measurements to gauge how well you are doing. Don't be afraid. Eating good fat on this plan is not going to make you fatter.

[DesertRain]

Re: Body Fat %?

Also I think the only true way to measure fat is to do a water submersion test. Better to go by your weight and measurements to gauge how well you are doing. Don't be afraid. Eating good fat on this plan is not going to make you fatter.

...especially if you are exercising!

[Debie]

Re: Body Fat %?

Thanks all! You are right, I was measuring on the scale. So I will ignore that and not freak out.

Thanks!

[Elsie150]

Re: Body Fat %?

Hey....just wanted to add my congrats on losing 10 pounds in 6 days during induction. That is an amazing amount to lose. The second week is slower so don't freak out if the number is smaller. The average person loses between 5-10% of the weight they need to lose during induction so you are way ahead of schedule. Keep up the great work!

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Body Fat %?

Such excellent advice here! Welcome to the board, Debie.

[sugarsack]

Re: Body Fat %?

besides the scales only measure the lower half of the body.. electricity and the path of least resistance... (similarly the hand held devices only measure the top half of the body) is a good guideline but by all means not always accurate... i have also found if you are on the scale (especially digital ones) right after a shower / steamy bathroom.. they are way off kilter... the moisture !

measure, weigh, and measure ! and keep up the good work !

[eclectikat]

Re: Body Fat %?

Interesting comments. I had purchased an expensive scale soon after starting Atkins and it measured body fat. I would get on and see a staggering number like 62% body fat, then get off and right back on and then it would say 42% body fat. I tested it several times over the next 4 days and kept getting wonky readings.
I RETURNED IT!
I weigh myself on a friends scale when I visit them, its an old fashioned one and consistant. I depend really on how I feel. How my clothes are fitting, and mostly I LOOK at myself to see the changes in my body... LOOKING at myself is not something I was too comfortable doing but as changes are happening it is getting easier.

Good luck!
Kathy

[Debie]

Re: Body Fat %?

Thanks everyone, yep it was a digital. I am ignoring the body fat now. My measuring date is Aug 24th.

Btw this week weight loss was minimal like described. But that is okay, I figured it would not be a double digit number, would be scared if it was!

One question, when I have been looking at my bod (not happy but doing it), things appear different.

Example, my waist seems a little bit smaller but the area above my hips seems bigger. Is it just weight proportion? I lose in one area and now the other area appears bigger? Am I crazy?

[Elsie150]

Re: Body Fat %?

My vote is for crazy ;^)! Your hips will appear to be bigger if your waist is smaller. But here is where you don't have to drive yourself crazy...the tape measure will tell you. Weigh to go on the 12 pounds gone!