Body Fat Percentage - The Key To Weight Loss

Although the number on the scale has long been known as "king" in the world of health and weight loss, the truth is that this number is not the "end all be all" in deciding if you are healthy or if you are on your way to weight loss. The real number that everyone should be REALLY concerned about is their body fat percentage.

What's The Benefit Of Knowing Your Body Fat Percentage?
It will help you understand if your weight loss goals are reasonable. For example, if your body fat percentage is less than 20% and you want to loose 20lbs, this may not be the best approach because you would loose muscle. It also keeps you from "jumping off of a cliff" when the number on the scale begins to rise. Since most body fat scales also measure the percentage of water in your body, it will help you understand when the increased weight on the scale is due to water weight gain instead of fat.

Ideal Body Fat Percentages
For women, the average body fat percentage is no higher than 25% although some would say 31%. Men have an average of 5% less body fat than women. See body fat chart.



Next Step: Buy A Body Fat Monitor Scale
Body fat monitor scales range in price from $40 - $200, but even the cheapest body fat monitor scale is better than no scale at all. Weigh yourself daily for at least 3 weeks when you first bring your scale home. The best time to weigh is in the morning after your first bowel movement, immediately after exiting the shower. Because your feet will be moist at this time, the electrodes on the scale will provide a more accurate reading.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Feel free to leave comments below!