New Beginings

Just over a year ago I managed to lose 25Kg or so, and for the last year have maintained that, losing a bit and gaining a bit, but generally keeping it under control. This has been a challenge as in the past my weight loss hasn't stuck.

I’ve now decided to take the next step and tackle the rest. The plan is to get down to Body Fat percentage below 20, and preferably under 15. This should also give me a BMI of less than 25.

I’m using a Omron Body fat monitor (http://www.omron-healthcare.com/en/product/weight_management/HBF-306-E.html) although mine’s an older model with a slightly different algorithm in it I think. These Biometric Impedance devices have problems as they are sensitive to hydration but a bit like weighing yourself it’s about consistency and taking it as a good guide. Roughly right rather than precisely wrong!

The scales are a set of EKS mechanical scales (http://www.eks-int.com/index.php?id=111). These seem to have good repeatability and consistency over measurements.

The prediction is based on using the Katch Mcardle formulae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basal_metabolic_rate) and also taking into account the maximum deficit that my body can take before starting to lose Fat Free mass (see Alpert SS. A limit on the energy transfer rate from the human fat store in hypophagia. J Theor Biol. 2005 Mar 7;233(1):1-13.

The exercise is a mix of Cardio, interval training on an elliptical trainer for 60 minutes a session plus weight training. The mix will change over time with quite a lot of CV at the beginning and more weights towards the end.

The purpose of this blog is to track progress and to share some of what I learn.