Your total body weight as seen on the scale is a combination of fat, water, bones, organs, various fluids, muscle and connective tissue. When calories are restricted to low, certain food groups eliminated or just cardio alone is completed the body is at risk of losing lean tissue such as muscle and organs as well as much needed water in the body. It is possible to have three people with the same height and each weigh 150 pounds, however, they may look and feel totally different and may be unhealthy vs healthy! One person may have a bodyfat percent of 60% at 150lbs, while another may have 30% and the third be muscular and have 10%. While all three people weigh the same and are the same height, the one with the lower percent of body fat and more muscle will have a more lean more sculpted body. This is why it is important to include strength training in your fitness routine. By building lean muscle you will change your body composition, increase your resting metabolism (burning more calories at rest) and appear healthier than the person who is just interested in losing weight by using the scale only.
When you walk into a room, people usually don't think "I bet he/she weighs 150 lbs." Instead we usually judge by the shape, tone and make up or composition of the body. Instead of focusing on just the scale, body fat percent is a more accurate way to assess your true body fat loss. A lean muscular body fits better in clothes rather than a "lighter" flabby, higher percentage body fat body.
Below are ideal percentage ranges for men and women.
Women Men
Age 18-39 21-32% 8-19%
Age 40-59 23-33% 11-21%
Age 60-79+ 24-35% 13-24%
For a body fat analysis, feel free to contact myself or a Certified Personal Trainer.