Dexa scan results

Not the best images, but I wanted to share the results of my Dexa scan. I have 16.7% total body fat with the most in my arms and hips. That is no surprise. I will work on the arms with weights to see if I can improve that somewhat. Also my bone density was excellent, which is good news.

I hate do tell you, but IMO- your body fat% is too low.

Wow, 16.7% is really low for a woman, and woman your age. No wonder your doc wanted you to gain some. You have no reserves. None. Woman essential fat is 14-15%. Healthy range for someone older is 25-30. 20-25% is lean, below 20% is athlete.

You have no reserves if you get sick. Even a small stomach virus can make you really sick and cause your body to burn muscles. We need some fat to make hormones, regulate things.

Of course you do what you feel you need to, but IMO- to be healthy- to may consider gaining some weight.

Thanks for the input. I was very surprised at the results even though I knew that I had lost weight.

The problem is that I am still losing, not intentionally, but I haven't gotten the calories regulated yet since hitting goal. I am at 120.6 as of this morning and my goal was about 125, which is several pounds within the Normal BMI range for my height. Since hitting my goal about 2 weeks ago, I have added in some oatmeal at breakfast, more non-starchy veggies, 1-2 pieces of fruit a day and some raw almonds. That obviously isn't doing the trick yet. I am cautious to add in too many carbs, but I may need to see about it.

My body fat% is but too low now, so I try to increase some foods also.

Fruits and healthy fats- like avocado and bacon. Olive and butter. Little bit of this and that. I chew on peanuts all day. As long as my weight is below my goal - I just put peanuts in a cup or a Ziploc bag and grab a few at a time. While working or driving. I alternate between peanuts, almonds (no raw- roasted or soaked-sprouted) walnut etc. Just to get some fat and calories in me. I eat more stews and thick soups. Adding things like fats to my food.

I don't want to eat huge qty of carbs but I added some fruits.

You can not go by BMI, especially when you know your actual body fat. You body fat is really low.

Start adding calories- nuts and peanut butter are great low volume foods that are easy to add.

If you look at Erin T?s menu she always puts whole milk Greek yogurt at the end of the day and then what she adds to it depends on where her calories are.

If you do not weigh daily maybe I would start, again helps with the mental image of food you are taking in and how it effects your body.

After having PS ... this is why I advocate Dexascans... we have no idea. We think it?s fat but it may really be skin.

You have done amazing but I could focus on stabilizing a little higher than maybe repeat the dexascan in 4-6 months.

Good Luck!

Congrats on the bone density. That's what they always warn us about.

Not knowledgable enough to comment on the fat %, so I defer to others.

Great job overall.

I'm 3 inches taller and was 8 pounds less than you when I had my DEXA and I was at 24% body fat. Sounds like you need some more. Here is a chart I referenced when I had mine:

I totally understand the wanting to stop losing and not being successful immediately. I am now about 13lbs below goal. I still loathe the idea of adding in carbs. Like NyMom said, I actually add variable calorie yogurt at the end of the day. This includes:

• Dannon L&F (80 calories)
• Peanut Butter (1 or 2 TBSP, 95-190 calories)
• Pecans (.5-1oz, 100-200 calories)

I adjust what I put in it based on what I need for calories to top out my day. Some nights I have nothing but yogurt with a sprinkle of almonds. Some, I have the full deal.

I also started wearing a chest strap heart rate monitor when I work out. That has allowed me to see more accurately how many calories I'm burning with exercise so I can adjust for them as well.

My scan showed osteoporosis. I am a poster child for weight loss and keeping it all of but I also a poster for a person who was lax on vitamins. 14 years later I am paying. Trust me, be la. And it will catch up.