Body Fat Scales

I just bought a new scale, and it shows percent body fat. Are these scales usually accurate? I'm 5'1", and 121.6 lbs as of today, and have a good amount of muscle (though also big boobs, not skinny but approaching where I shouldn't lose too much more), and the scale shows that I have 27% body fat. This sounds high to me - more than a quarter of my weight is fat! Right? I know it's in the "normal" range for a female, but does that sound accurate? I'm going to go to the gym and have the trainer check my body fat, but I was just wondering, before I get there, if I should suspect that my scale is off or not.

Thanks!

Wed. Jan 4, 11:13am

It's very easy for these to be off. They're more useful for comparison over time than for the absolute numbers. Also be aware that your hydration state will make a difference in the body fat reading, maybe 1-2%. Can't be helped, the circuitry can't distinguish them, and assumes some "average" water content.
The gym may or may not do any better. But at least that gives you something to compare. If they use calipers and measure skinfolds at many points, the results can be more accurate than the electrical or infrared devices if the person doing taking measurements does them precisely according to the instructions for the formula they're using.
The hydrostatic method (underwater weighing), the Bod Pod, and full body DEXA scans are the most accurate, but they aren't so easy to find.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006, 11:23 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge

Related Content:

How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer

Fitness

Preventive Health

New Diet and Fitness Articles:

Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne:

Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions

Everyday Weight Loss Tips

Related Article :

New PEERtrainer Articles :