Lean Body Mass Question

[JennyM]

So I did the calculation in PP, and came up with 36% body fat or 112 lbs of lean body mass; however, I have a scale that calculates body fat and it averages me out at 44% body fat or 98 lbs lean body weight. The ideal weight for 98 lbs lean body weight in PP is a lot closer to what my personal goal weight is.

So, which calculation do I use?

[maxlharris]

The scales are notoriously bad for accuracy. Of course, the calculation in PP for women is a PitA, and very error prone as well. The MBA strategy here is to go
36+44 = 80
80/2 = 40

At 175 (yes, we can back numbers out... sorry), with .6 lbm, you're looking at 105lbs of LBM. That seems workable.

The thing with the scales: They use conductivity. Your conductivity changes throughout the day, just as your weight will fluctuate. Most people weigh in the AM (lowest reading). You are generally poorly hydrated, leading to lowest conduction, leading to a higher BF reading. If you do it at night, you will get a higher weight, but a more accurate BF reading. I have found that the hand held devices work better than the scales.

One last strategy to work it:
Use the 112 figure. Best leads to highest protein consumption, which isn't a bad thing on the margin. Get to goal range. Reevaluate. If you are unhappy with the mirror and your clothes, THEN work the 98 lb goals. Or something in between, like the 104 figure.

[Moretta]

Is there a formula that we can use to workout our own LBM. I was going to use the scale as well, but like maxlharris stated that not the best way to go.

I see its posted here, but don't quite understand it per say.

Can someone please post the formula so I may get an exact figure for myself.

Thanks.

[Mitra]

There's an on-line calculator here (http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html) that will work it out for you. It also gives a protein requirement that's pretty close to the PP number for me.

[deb79fl]

Thanks for the calculator Mitra! Very easy to use and good information.