bodyfat percentage and effects on health.

Question
Dear Kimberly,
I think my wife is morbidly obese. It's a case I have given up on her despite over 7 years of cajoling, encouraging, nagging, threatening, Ive tried everything, but her weight continues to climb. I am now concerned about her mortality, and her developing adult onset diabetes.

She is 5'2" and 230 pounds. I met her at 130 pounds. Now, Im worried because, we bought one of those bodyfat % calculating scales, the ones with metal contacts that figure out youre %. I gather they are slightly inaccurate to the degree of maybe 1-3% each way?)

The first time she used it, I was dumbfounded when it displayed a measurement of 73%

To compare, it measured me 23% at 5'8" and 155 pounds.

Firstly, is this amount of bodyfat % possible? Or could the scales be off?

What health dangers are associated with this level?

Finally, seeing as she has that little apparent lean mass, is it basically too late for her to do anything? Is there such a thing as a point of no return when it comes to dieting?

Thanks for any answers,

Keith

Canada.

Answer
Body fat machines can be very inaccurate!  It is just a very general estimate!  There are many factors that can effect the measurement of body fat also such as hydration, food, etc...  You need to be properly hydrated!  Drinking too much just before testing or not enough can effect the test.  Eating right before the test can also effect it.  

There are many dangers associated with obesity including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and the list goes on.  It is NEVER too late to reverse the effects of obesity!!  But she has to be the one that wants to do something about it!!  It may be helpful to start her out by going to the doctor for a complete physical!  The doctor can explain the dangers and maybe that would hit home with her.  Maybe you BOTH could set up appointments for physicals so she wouldn't feel that you are picking on her.  That way you could both do it together and she could hear why medically it is dangerous to be so overweight!

As for the weight loss, my suggestion would be for her to see a registered dietitian she could work with one-on-one!  This way she can lose weight the right way and the healthy way!!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD

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