AboutTodd Bublitz, RCEP Expertise I can answer questions on Cholesterol & Lipids. I can explain how diet can and cannot improve your cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
Experience I have 17 years experience in cardiovascular disease prevention, rehabilitation and education. Researcher in cardiovascular exercise, cardiac function and cardiac testing. I developed and maintain Lipid-Clinic.com
Also run Nuclear Cardiology Research Organizations National Lipid Association
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Question I bought a scale that measures body fat percentage along with
weight. In 5 months I have lost 34 pounds and my BMI has gone
from 29.6 to 25. Yet the scale tells me that my percentage of body-
fat started at 40 and is now 41. How is that possible?
(I am a 48 year old woman 5,11" and currently weigh 179 pounds. I
am moderately active and I need to loose another 20 -30 pounds
to be at the lower end of healthy weight.)
Answer Uta,
You may have bought a bad quality scale. Scales that also try to calculate body fat based on Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA). This technique tends to underestimate fat in overweight people. Also, your hydration status can significantly alter the reading. BIA has an accuracy of +/- 5-6% compared to the more accurate method of hydrostatic weighing (under water weighing).
If you have lost 34 lbs and your BMI has gone from 29.6 to 25, it certainly appears that the body fat analysis is incorrect. I wouldn't worry about it, you are obviously making good progress.
