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Fairest way to measure weight/fat loss in a competition?

9 replies

Wiifitmama · 30/01/2015 18:22

So DH and I have let things slide a bit recently. We were watching that new weight loss show where two strangers compete against each other with their own money based on research which shows this is very motivating for weight loss. Anyhow, we decided to start our own competition against each other. If he wins, he gets a new gas bbq (hugely expensive and I think frivolous as we have one) and if I win we get to redo the bathroom (he couldn't care less about doing it up and can't see how yucky it is - the toilet flushes which is all he cares about!).

The question is what is the fairest way to measure loss. We both think measuring fat loss rather than weight loss is fairer and more accurate but we are both aware of the gender difference with fat. Soooo...any suggestions how to do it? So far we are just thinking of who loses the highest number of fat percentage as shown by our scales. Any thoughts?

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Wiifitmama · 30/01/2015 18:55

Bump!

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SleeplessSeattle · 30/01/2015 19:03

How about percentage of fat loss? Or maybe each run a certain distance, and see who makes the best improvement?


Or thinking about it how about doing a set of five different tasks, so one standard fat lost, then another endurance test, maybe a sprint and two others? I'll have a thing.. Because I guess you guys want to be fit as well as just thinner?

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Wiifitmama · 30/01/2015 19:06

Yes definitely fit too. I can't run anymore due to a knee injury sadly. Not sure how fitness would be measured as DH is massively stronger than me to start with. But to achieve fat loss rather than just weight loss, exercise will definitely have to play a part.

How would you measure percentage fat loss? I am struggling to work it out!

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SleeplessSeattle · 30/01/2015 19:29

So you calculate your body fat percentage now, and then anything you lose, you take that loss over your initial time by 100 and that's your percentage. As the higher your BF, the easier it is to lower it.

So if you had a BF of 40% and then lost 2%, that would be 2/40 = 0.05 *100 = 5% loss. Does that make sense?

If rubbings out that's quite hard, how we're you planning on losing weight? Is it a purely diet thing? Maybe you could set goals for what you want to achieve, and he could do the same and you could work out if they were equal, or see who was closer to achieving their goal by a set date. Is the bad knee weight related or just an underlying problem? Maybe a swimming distance instead of a run (not swimming speed as if he's stronger he'll have an advantage but swimming distance)?

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Wiifitmama · 30/01/2015 19:46

Hi thanks that makes total sense now.

No the knee injury is not weight related. I have two meniscal tears in one knee caused probably by previous running.

My husband and I both eat a Paleo based diet when we are being good. We have just let things slide the last few months. Both or weight is creeping up which neithervof us want.

For exercise I will start walking again. This week we have been on holiday and averaging 6 miles a day. I need to go back to that. Dh does lots of exercise at home with weights and stuff. I will probably go back to some of that too.

Thanks again for your help.

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SleeplessSeattle · 30/01/2015 20:09

Sounds like you're doing. Everything right then! I have a persistent ankle injury so understand it's annoying. If he is competent with weights, definitely get him to help you, they are by far the most effective way to lose weight as try use every muscle group. So even low repetition with heavy weights is great; if he's got a proper gym set up, maybe start with benching, deadlifts and shoulder press. If he can help you with your form you will see the results so much quicker and be South more motivated.

Sorry if I've seened abrupt, been up since 4am with a teething baby Confused

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Silverjohnleggedit · 31/01/2015 06:40

He will win, men always seem to lose more quickly than woman and I have no idea why. If Dh and I were doing this I think I'd want a handicap included to take account of the natural of Dh's gender advantage.

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Wiifitmama · 31/01/2015 12:32

You may be right. But I have more to lose than him so that might work to my advantage. Either way, we'll both be winners to get thinner!

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cristal03 · 10/07/2020 08:05

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