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Just when I thought that my weight loss plan couldn’t get any more complicated, I bought a body fat scale. I seriously thought this device could help me with my weight loss goals. The ‘scale’ is supposed to measure the percentage of body fat I have, as well as my weight.

NOTE: I wouldn’t recommend the Taylor body fat scale–it doesn’t work. Either my body fat is off the scale, so to speak, or the scale is just broken. Oh, the weight measurement works, but that’s all. Be sure to read the reviews before you purchase your body fat scale so you don’t get a lemon–like I did. The Tanita brand bathroom scales seem to get the best overall reviews.

There are several reasons that you may want to invest in a body fat scale. First of all, many of us are preoccupied with the numbers to be realistic about our overall health. Most people think they have some number of pounds to lose. This can quickly derail any progress. If we focus instead on losing two pant sizes, we can become more successful in our weight loss plans. A working body fat scale could help. Here’s why:

Argument For A Body Fat Scale

The problem with most weight loss plans, in particular, those that promise rapid weight loss in a short amount of time, is that you are not just losing fat. In fact, at first you lose water weight and if you’re not exercising enough, you might also lose some muscle mass. It may seem like your diet is working because the numbers are dropping on your regular scale. A body fat scale, however, may tell you a different story.

You can lose pounds, but not inches, if you are not burning your stored fat deposits. A body fat scale will tell you whether or not your particular diet is working to burn fat–lose inches–or whether you are losing water weight and muscle mass instead. Since muscle is lean and dense, it weighs more than fatty tissue.

If you really want to get rid of the inches and build healthy, lean muscle, you probably should invest in a body fat scale. A good scale can help you achieve reduction in size rather than just in pounds.

What Is Your Body Fat Percentage?

I’d be willing to bet that most people don’t know what their body fat is. The tragic thing is that most people probably think that their ratio of body fat is relatively normal. The truth is, with the poor eating habits of many, it can be very difficult to stay fit and lose weight at the same time.

What do you think the average body fat percentage is? In other words; what do you think your level of body fat should be for you to be considered healthy? A modern body fat scale should help you understand this. Let’s look at the numbers. An adult male should have an approximate body fat level of 22 percent or less. Supposedly, you can go as low as–about–10 percent. Women need to maintain more body fat than men. Between approximately 13 and 25 percent.

Do you need a body fat scale to monitor your body fat? If you are trying hard to lose weight, a body fat scale may be a good choice. You may or may not know it, but when you start exercising to get in shape, you gain a few pounds because your body is building muscle. This is good. Your goal is to shed your body fat. It’s what causes harm in the long run.

Be aware that the electronic pulse from a body fat scale could interfere with a pacemaker. People with pacemakers should not use this type of scale.