Body Fat increasing??? Huh???

[TerriDoodle 6]

I got one of the Tanita scales that measures body fat and Water, etc. I know, I know those things aren't accurate....so I thought I would just use it to trend my BF, y'know? I mean, it is pretty consistent from day to day, so whatever it IS measuring, it's measuring consistently.

Ok, so I've been using this scale for about a month. And according to this scale it says my BF is going UP, my Water is going down and my weight is going down. What this tells me is that I'm depleting muscle!!! WTF??? I'm doing it all by the BOOK!! :help:

Any words of wisdom out there??

[Cherrybomb 0]

As a long time dieter (you name it, I've done it), I feel pretty comfortable telling you to ignore the scale BF analysis. Go have it professionally measured - at a gym, at your doctor, where ever - but don't rely on the scale. Too many variables in the way the scales measure BF to give any credence to the result, I think. Have it measured with calipers and then go back three months later and have it done again. I think you'll see that you are in fact losing fat and not much muscle.

Just my humble opinion... :-)

[TerriDoodle 6]

Oh, that is so comforting!! I couldn't imagine how in the world I was losing muscle and gaining fat!! I'm working too hard for that!!!! LOL

Thanks, Cherry...

BTW...love the quote!

[losingjusme 12]

i agree with Cherrybomb, i use mine for weight and Water and ignore the BF%.

[juliegeraci 7]

That doesn't surprise me. I weighed in and lost 20 more lbs at the gym and my body fat went up. That means that I am losing lean muscle. I'm not surprised this happened to you.

[Jachut 487]

I dont even look at my BF scale to be honest.

Like yours, mine measures consistently day to day, 33% - um, no, that cannot be right. I have BMI of less than 24, a flat stomach and I am much stronger than I was before and have muscles you can see - my legs are like Iron. Yes, I still have a tad too much body fat but I do NOT have a body fat level of 33%. I am within the healthy weight range and I exercise regularly, PLUS I had a body fat of 32% as measured at the gym when I was 30 and overweight!

Its either not right or it is - and if it is well I look and feel healthy so if that's what it is so be it.

But I dont need to look at it everyday and feel frustrated!