My clients weight didn’t change but her body fat went up from 31% to 37%. What could cause the increase in BF?
In order for us to answer that, we would have to know what she was doing for the past 3 months and if there were changes to her exercise program (assuming that something in the exercise program is a cause for this). Also, what was her eating habits like?
Aside from measuring her body fat and weight, are there any other anthropometric measurements that you take (such as skinfolds, waist circumference, circumference on other body parts)? The less tools that’s used, the less accurate a picture you have of what’s going on with your client.
It could very well be the device itself or even the conditions that you measured your client. Normally when you take these measurements, they should be taken under the same conditions as the first time you measured your clients. Did you make sure the conditions were the same the last two times you measured your client with the device?
We made the measurements always at the same time before the workout. I used a handheld bioelectrical impedance device to measure BF% and BMI. I tried the device on myself and it worked accurate. My client is 66 years old and diabetic. She always eats the same food and has an eating routine to avoid complications with her diabetic. She started working out with me 3 month ago and we meet once a week for a resistance trainings session (mainly tubing, balance and coordination exercises). Other than that she is walking daily with her dog. So, except seeing me once a week no changes in her routine. I’m worried that it might be a medical issue and appreciate your reply, thank you!
Hi Pascale,
did you by any chance also take anthropomorphic measurements? Did she complain to you of her clothes fitting differently? Those can be just as accurate indicators of change.
Such a body fat increase in the absence of weight gain is all but impossible. Even though her exercise routine is moderate, it should be sufficient to maintain her muscle mass. You mention that she is very consistent in her food intake. Bio-electrical impedance is also sensitive to hydration levels.
Regardless of the outcome of this question, I would not measure body composition once a month on a client like her. Given her moderate exercising, it is not likely to change significantly and may just make her feel worse.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hello Pascale Lean,
I use the skinfold calipers for bodyfat measurements.
If you are afraid this could be medical, I would refer her to her doctor; nothing wrong with being careful.
Are you sure your client’s eating and drinking habits are exactly the same? Do you think the change of seasons could have something to do with it?
Good luck; please let us know how this turns out.
Take care,
Natalie.
Hi Pascale,
I’m not sure if you are aware but bioelectrical impedance device has +/- of up to 14% depending upon if your client is hydrated, has jewelry on, or isn’t holding the device appropriately. Maybe BF% isn’t the best way to measure if it will be discouraging. I would look into other ways of measuring her progress such as doing body measurements, whether it’s hip to waist or measuring bust, waist, hip, arms, and thigh or doing a fitness assessment (3 minute step test, push up/modified push up, measurements, and flexibility).
Hope this helps!