I feel moved to clear up a misunderstanding I see happening everywhere. I saw a woman claiming she had reached 3% body fat. The body fat % scales at gyms, even the high end ones are really inaccurate.

The body fat scales tested in a 2016 study conducted a test of six different body fat scales. First, the researchers used a lab-based machine called a Bod Pod to take accurate body fat measurements. They then compared these results with the data that they retrieved from the home-use BIA body fat scales.In this study, the home-use body fat scales either overestimated or underestimated BFPs. The most accurate readings were off by about 21%, while the least accurate were off by about 34%.

34% is really HUGE!

It’s really important not to use them as accurate measurements but only as measurements of progression, and understand there will still be inaccurate fluctuations even then. If a woman had 3% body fat she would be dead or dying with her internal organs consuming themselves and in very serious danger of immediate cardiac arrest. Most physique competitors in figure (a lot more muscle than bikini and therefore leaner) are around 8% on stage. 8% is incredibly lean for a woman and not sustainable.

Remember: Body fat % is not a measure of worth. How much fat you do or don’t have doesn’t make you a better or worse person. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Written by Alexandra.
Edited by Deepa