PPLP + exercise = more BF?!

[aj_cohn]

I've been doing PP for 4 months and exercising (mostly weightlifting) for three. I've been using both the Slow-Burn style and the traditional 3-sets style of training. In this last month, I've shed 6 lbs. but gained 2% BF, according to my home scale-BF meter.

Can anyone offer a plausible explanation for these results?

[LessLiz]

Those meters are not reliable. They don't even show trends correctly. This is the reason that at a decent gym there are at most 2 ways body fat is measured -- calipers, which have been found to be accurate when used by very experienced people, and water displacement.

[lisaz8605]

I've gotta agree. I can't find any plausible explanation for a gain in BF when doing PP and weight lifting except for equipment error (or maybe if you have too low BF to begin with). Sounds like you're doing great...I'd be inclined to get a professional to assess your BF and then go back for a progress check in the future. Good luck and keep it up!

[aj_cohn]

Just following up with everyone: My BF is still 28%, same as it was 2 weeks before, according to the Omron BF monitor at my co. gym. End of freak-out.

[lisaz8605]

Just following up with everyone: My BF is still 28%, same as it was 2 weeks before, according to the Omron BF monitor at my co. gym. End of freak-out.
*phew* Excellent!

[Dexxxlaw]

The reason your home unit freaked may have been what you were eating. My understanding is that it runs a small current through you. The more salt you have in your system the faster the current can travel (don't know if it is the salt or the water it causes to be retained that is the better conductor) and the lower your bodyfat reading. In your case you may have been lower on salts as a result of the PP diet and thus registered higher.

[CallmeAnn]

My bf scale is the pits, too. I want to have mine checked, but I don't trust anyone with the calipers and I have no idea how to go about having it done via water displacement.

[corsair915]

Many of the home scales that measure % body fat use bioelectric impedance. They run a small current through the body from one foot up through the body and down to the other foot. The reason you have to enter your height is so that the current is sent through the right place in your body. The reason that you have to enter your gender is that your fat distribution is likely to be more abdominal for males and hips for females. Basically, these scales see how good of an insulator you are. These scales don't measure upper body fat.

When you start working out you will probably have variations in your hydration. Bioelectric impedance scales are very sensitive to changes in your body water content, and you may be chronically a bit dehydrated now compared to previously. It has much less to do with your body electrolytes than your body water. Some manufacturers recommend using them first thing in the morning so that you are always at your most dehydrated, in order to get consistent results.

The best thing to do is recognize the inherent level of error and don't worry about the results. These fat monitors don't have a high degree of accuracy or reproducibility. You would be better off investing in a pair of calipers and using them daily (I like Fat Track calipers). After about a month of consistent use you will be quite experienced and you will have a much better idea of your fat loss. You will also know whether you are losing on your arms, abs, legs, etc. As an experienced bodybuilder, I would say this is the best way to go on a daily basis. Good luck and congrats on your new healthy lifestyle!

[aj_cohn]

Thanks Corsair915. I'm buddies with some of the trainers at the gym. So, on a slow day, I had one do a full set of measurements and a BF calculation 3 weeks after I re-started my exercise routine. This time, the calipers and the scale told the same story: 16%.

I can't quite believe the difference from a year ago, but I've been LC since 03/08. I'd pinch myself to make sure, but there's nowhere left to pinch! ;-)

[corsair915]

Wow, aj_cohn, check out your stats! I'm so impressed! You've become a lean machine - I bet you feel so much better than you did last year. I'm so happy for you! I love the Protein Power plan.

[Citruskiss]

Thanks Corsair915. I'm buddies with some of the trainers at the gym. So, on a slow day, I had one do a full set of measurements and a BF calculation 3 weeks after I re-started my exercise routine. This time, the calipers and the scale told the same story: 16%.

I can't quite believe the difference from a year ago, but I've been LC since 03/08. I'd pinch myself to make sure, but there's nowhere left to pinch! ;-)

You have done really, really well!!!

Have you been going to the gym all along, or exercising throughout? For the most part I mean?

Also - did you stick with PPLP's "Intervention" level for most of your weight loss journey?

I'm very encouraged to hear that PPLP is as good or better than Atkins. I'm supposedly following PPLP - but have had a hard time increasing carbs beyond the typical Atkins induction level.

What were/are your carb intake levels like?

Sorry for all the questions - but I'm really impressed with your success!

[Matador]

Don't worry. I'm working in a gym and it's highly unreliable. I went from 17% to 19% by drinking 1½l of water :)