Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds

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2008-04-25 3:43 PM

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Los Angeles, California
Subject: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds

I started working out with a trainer about a month ago and since then have lost almost 3% body fat but only about 3 pounds.  Should I be concerned about my weight. I'm 5'5" and 147 pounds. It just seems too high for me. I'm 23. My body fat as of today is 23.6%. What number should i be paying attention too.

 I just started training for a tri a couple weeks ago so my minutes of cardio per day are still pretty low as i get my endurance up. Assuming I eat very well, should I start seeing weight loss when cardio gets higher?

2008-04-25 3:47 PM
in reply to: #1362589

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Elite
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Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds
My body has changed drastically in a year and a half of training, but I'm just now starting to lose weight.  Trading fat for muscle makes a huge difference in the mirror but not on the scale.
2008-04-25 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1362589

Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds

I don't usually post here as I'm not looking to lose any significant amount of weight, but I did want to echo that muscle mass makes a huge difference. I've actually gained about 15+ lbs since I started trying, and only a scant few of those lbs are probably fat - my butt and thighs are more muscley so my pants fit differently and I have to buy up 1 size, but have to get them taken in in a lot of places. I don't "look" any fatter. Muscle is more dense than fat, so it will weigh a lot more. So don't be discouraged. The body fat % (and NOT BMI - BMI is crap) is what you want to see go down.

2008-04-25 4:00 PM
in reply to: #1362589

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TinkerBeth
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Liverpool, New York
Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds

Sounds like you are in great shape! 

Body fat % is a much better indicator to pay attention to than BMI, especially for an athlete, IMO

2008-04-25 4:02 PM
in reply to: #1362589

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Los Angeles, California
Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds

thanks for the input! I meant to type body fat but i guess i must have been thinking bmi when i wrote the post. at least the change in the percent is keeping me encouraged to keep working out!

2008-04-25 4:48 PM
in reply to: #1362589

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Expert
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West Metro Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds
I've been in the same situation too. It's because you're doing activity that recruits muscle mass and that burns fat. Take pride in the fact your body fat is going down - it means you're becoming a more powerful triathlete!


2008-04-28 2:39 PM
in reply to: #1362637

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Subject: RE: Losing bmi percent but not losing pounds
lastcall2003 - 2008-04-24 11:00 PM

Sounds like you are in great shape!

Body fat % is a much better indicator to pay attention to than BMI, especially for an athlete, IMO

What is the definition of "athlete"? 

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