Ordinary bathroom scales measure only one thing - weight. They can't
distinguish between pounds that come from fat and pounds that come from muscle. Body fat
scales let you measure both weight and body fat percentage in the comfort of your home. In
just seconds you're looking at two numbers that together are a better indicator of health
and fitness.
Losing Weight Can Make You Fatter
"A" and "B" were the same height, weight and had the same percentage of body fat. Each
lost 10 pounds over the same period of time. Although their weights are identical, "A" is
now fatter. She simply cut calories, resulting in the loss of muscle tissue, meaning her
percentage of body fat increased. By combining a low-fat diet with a program of exercises,
"B" lost 10 lb. and her body fat dropped to 21%.
It's Important To Know Your Body Fat
It's not the amount of weight you have but the amount of body fat that's potentially
dangerous to your health. Carrying too much body fat can increase your risk of developing
serious health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease,
diabetes, and cancer. Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can reduce your risk and
help prevent the onset of these conditions.
Until now, getting a body fat reading has been expensive and time-consuming, usually
conducted only through medical and athletic facilities - or simply left to guesswork.
Body-fat measurement, is a much better indicator of overall health and fitness. For
example, you may be the same height and weight as someone considered to be obese, but if
you have relatively dense bones and a lot of muscle -- and therefore less body fat -- you
will not merit the same diagnosis.
Body Fat Monitors
Several companies now produce high quality and inexpensive bioelectrical impedance body
fat monitors backed by extensive medical research. The body fat readings of home use body
fat monitors correlate satisfactorily with the professional methods of body fat
measurement. They can be very helpful in monitoring body fat even if they are not
completely accurate. Consistency is the key to using home models. It's probably best
to use the home models during your morning routine, after you urinate, but before you take
shower. You see, bioelectrical impedance uses a small electrical current to estimate body
fat percentage, and as water is a good conductor, the water content of you body can affect
the readings. As long as you are consistent, body fat monitors will alert you to when your
body fat is going up or down.
Medical professionals have determined that a healthy range of body fat is 14%-20% for men,
and 17%-24% for women. Note: For your own body fat range consult your physician.
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