Why is my body fat percentage increasing?

[Jordan_Deans]

Hi there,

I've recently started during to lose weight. I have just started couch to 5k as well. I am losing weight but my body fat percentage keeps on rising. Does anybody know why this is happening?

Thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Depending on your age, loss of weight can result in loss of muscle, which would show as increased percentage of body fat.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Pnegirl Graduate]

I hope this isn't a frustrating response as I certainly don't have the scientific knowledge to answer your question. I just wanted to share my experience with you though in case it is helpful as I started couch to 5k for the same reason (the first lockdown had a lot to answer for!)

I noticed really mixed results on the weighing scales (weight went up or just plateaued) and put it down to perhaps building muscle. On a friend's advice, I started to pay attention to lost inches instead around the waist, hips, etc. Even though my weight didn't budge in the first three or four weeks, I did lose 1.5 inches off my waist but more importantly, I just felt great all round: I was doing something to get fitter and was enjoying the challenge. Now about 14 weeks in, I can say that the extra weight has eventually shifted but it took a lot more than just running. I reassessed my diet, my portion sizes and did a complete overhaul around my food.

I just wanted to say that staying C25k is definitely a brilliant first step but maybe try to focus on the enjoyment of running, the overall improvement in general wellbeing as well as other measures, and you might be pleasantly surprised to see the weight gradually dropping off. I hope this helps 🙂