Mon, Jun-01-09, 13:00
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Senior Member
Posts: 139
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Plan: Protein Power
Stats: 156/118/120
BF:36%/22%/18%
Progress: 106%
Location: Seattle, WA
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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!
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