Have you ever wondered why you gain weight when you work out? Usually, it’s not because you haven’t spent enough time lifting weights, running on the treadmill or using the elliptical machine. Simply put, muscle weighs more than fat. Although muscle is denser than fat, it takes up less space. Consequently, you may be losing inches around your waist and at the same time see the numbers gradually escalate, rather than dwindle, on your scale. Don’t worry it’s perfectly normal. 

  One method of measuring percentage of body fat is Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on weight and height. Follow the formula below to estimate your BMI:  

weight (lb)/[height (in)]2 x 703 

The healthy range is considered 18.5-24.9; below 18.5 is underweight; 25-29.9 range is overweight; and 30 or above is regarded as obese. Keep in mind that these numbers are not a perfect evaluation of an individual’s health. Women tend to have more body fat than men—anywhere from 6-11% (due to female sex hormones and to “prime women for childbearing”)! Men’s greater proportion of muscle mass may lead to a higher BMI reading, suggesting that they are “overweight” when, in fact, the men are of “normal” weight. There are exceptions. If you are concerned that your BMI has fallen below or above the “healthy range,” consult with a physician. Additionally, athletes often have BMI’s that place them in the overweight category due to increased muscularity, as opposed to excess fat. 
      Let’s take a look at a couple of celebrities’ BMIs: Johnny Depp is estimated to have a BMI of 27, overweight, and Arnold Schwarzenegger has been found to be a 30.8, in other words, obese. Yikes! And ladies, hold your breath…George Clooney weighs in at a BMI of 29, also overweight. What I’m trying to say is don’t get yourself down if a simple mathematical equation deems you as overweight when you’re healthy and slim.  
      I figure, as long as you can still button up your pants without sucking everything in, you don’t have a problem! Keep up the good work.  

References:

1. Why Women Store Fat More Efficiently Than Men
2. Cdc.gov- BMI Index
3. Pleaseenjoy.com-Scale picture