Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I haven't gotten on the scale in over a month, and more than a month before that since I had measured. A month ago when I visited my parents I got on the scale and was alarmed to see it read 191.

I started Paleo at 199 and was happy to get down to 190 before everything just came to a grinding halt.

Today I got on the scale and it read 194.4 and 40.7% body fat. FOURTY POINT SEVEN! God I'm a lard ball.

Weird thing is though, that I LOOK thinner, and I feel thinner, and people at work have been commenting that I'm losing weight.

What gives?!

flag	asked Jul 13 2011 at 22:15 Oranges13 2,025●4●22

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More reason to ignore scale readings. Who cares anyhow? Aren't you happier that people are telling you that you look better etc? Cameras and mirrors do a better job than scales everytime. – ben61820 Jul 13 2011 at 22:37

Also, even if you continue to weigh yourself at least ignore the body fat percentage reader. There is no way that thing could know your body fat percentage. It's completely impossible. – ben61820 Jul 14 2011 at 1:24

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I know what it's like to want that external confirmation - an "objective" number :-) Soon you'll go down a clothes size and that will give you the confidence boost you need. Keep up the good work! – esque Jul 14 2011 at 7:05

I have one of those Tanita scales, and years ago I lost about 30 pounds (from about 220 to 190) while working out every day, went down 3 inches on my waist size, and it said my body fat percentage never changed from 26% (I am 41 y.o. male, 6' tall). I really don't think that was physically possible... I don't think those measures are very accurate. – UncleLongHair Jul 14 2011 at 14:23

animalcule · Answer 1 · 2011-07-14 04:03:31Z UTC

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Your scale doesn't accurately measure anything. 40% body fat my ass. Don't weigh yourself and judge your progress by the mirror and how your clothes fit.

answered Jul 14 2011 at 4:03

animalcule
7,962●5●24

HeleneLohr · Answer 2 · 2011-07-14 06:13:14Z UTC

Body fat scales are notoriously inaccurate.

I've consistently dropped weight and gained muscle continuously for months. My measurements are all smaller and my muscle definition keeps getting better and better- but my scale body fat percentage during this time has been all over the map and definitely does not reflect my actual progress. In fact it's varied as much as 5% in ONE DAY -not exactly what I'd call accurate...

Bottom line: don't let the scale rule your perception of yourself. If you feel better, look better to yourself and are getting compliments, that tells you all you need to know.

Josh M · Answer 3 · 2011-07-13 23:34:43Z UTC

Ignore the scales they are not an accurate measure of anything, what is most important is how you look and how you feel. As you body slowly adapts to eating healthy it will change and reorganize itself as it sees fit to do to be the best it can be and needs to be, this has nothing to do with what the human mind thinks our our bodies should look like, nature knows best. One's weight can fluctuate a lot throughout the day, from week to week and month to month depending on what the body needs to do.

Kelly · Answer 4 · 2011-07-14 13:12:52Z UTC

I was thinking about this last night, wanted to ponder the question longer and not give a quick reply. Each scale is different so if you ARE going to use one, use the same one every time. Resist getting on anyone elses.

Second, if you are feeling better, and people are commenting that you look better, something is working!! I'd give it more time, and step away from that scale!! Check in monthly at least, but not more.

Lastly even if you body fat % is 40.7 or 30.7 doesnt really matter at this point. If you are loosing weight and can see changes for the better, something is working. Stick with it, be patient and persistant and enjoy the positive comments!

Sounds like you are doing something right, just need to give it more time and don't stress about anything, just enjoy the process!!

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4 Answers