Question:
Body fat percentage not decreased much, even though lost 87 pounds

I bought a Tanita body fat monitor right after WLS and have used it faithfully ever since. At first, my body fat percent was above 50 % (53-55). Now it varies between 49 and 50 %. I have lost 87 pounds. I think my bf% should be less. I am FAITHFUL about getting in the right amount of protein daily and exercise daily. Sometimes I don't drink all the water I'm supposed to, but I do drink. I thought about increasing the protein, but I'm doing exactly what the DR told me. I'm concerned that I'm losing as much muscle as fat and I know that's not good. Anyone gone through this and been successful at conquering the problem?    — Loretta E. (posted on March 8, 2003)

March 7, 2003
I have a Tanita scale that measures weight and body fat percentage. I never thought the body fat indicator meant anything. I don't think it is in any way accurate. Mine seems to vary widely from day to day. I would disregard it. Congratulations on the weight loss - that is awesome!
   — koogy

March 8, 2003
Are you exercising at all? This can be a factor in body fat percentages, since muscle is ideally what we want. Also, just like the previous posters said, it may be innaccurate. If you go to a nurse or nutritionist or gym, their BF%measurers are usually more accurate. As you lose more weight, it will decrease more. But losing muscle is always a concern, esp when we are losing so fast, so make sure you eat enough as well. But I wouldn't worry about it too much, I'm sure your percentage is lower than that after losing so much weight. But that's why it's important to exercise, so you tone up and the % will be even smaller. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 8, 2003
Sometimes those scales go "out of range" if your body fat is either above or below a certain number. Since 50% is on the high side, the scale may just not be sensitive enough. As you continue to lose, the scale should get more and more accurate. Another thing, if it is a programmable scale, be sure to set it for your sex, age, etc. (women are supposed to have more body fat than men and older folks generally have more fat than younger folks). Good luck to you! :)
   — Brittany C.

March 8, 2003
You are getting obsessed about something that can not be accurately measured with the device you have. Normally a caliphers is the more accurate device. However, can't you work with how your clothes fit? As you convert fat to muscle your weight may not make major changes but your body shape and size will. You'd be better taking your measurements as thats way more accurate. I'm a previous scale obsessed weight loser so now my scale is buried out in the garage and I only weigh when I go to the surgeon. I didn't do measurements of body fat either. I can certainly tell by how my clothes fit the fat is going away. At 5 weeks I am retiring some of my pants already. Can fit into ones that are 2 sizes smaller but another few pounds or so they will be more comfortable in the waist. The rest of them is fine. I can tell when I sit down my stomach isn't as large and protruding as much. I know I am following my surgeons program correctly and the weight can't do anything but come off when all I eat is max 1 cup of protein a day. <p>Do yourself a favor and find a hobby to obsess over and just work your program to the max. Make sure the water gets in because that is critical! The results will come!
   — zoedogcbr

March 10, 2003
I have one of those too. It is always inaccurate. The weight is always perfect to the half pound with my doctors but the Fat % is never right. I don't use it anymore because it never is even within 5% of my surgeons or a personal trainer when I did it that route!
   — Kelly L.