How Fat Am I? Body Fat Through Pictures: Round 1
If not aware what this is about, see previous video post here.
For these videos I am going to be doing a few rounds. If not featured in the videos then I assure you that I will provide for you an estimation through email. Hopefully I can get to them all though. This first video is going to be a bit longer than the next ones are going to be. Please note the disclaimer in the beginning.
Now, on with the show!
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Sinead
Thanks for another great video! I love how you explain your guesses and the reasons behind those guesses.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:31 amThe Truth
Who are you to decide and poke at people’s body? Let’s sse your soft body Leigh?? Hide those arms
BTW…your nasal voice is nausiating!!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:39 amETANA FINKLER
I found it particularly interesting how you describe how results are brewing but not yet showing. Body For Life was where I first heard that more can show in week 8-12 of a 12 week program, but I didn’t understand it. Your discussion on the last person in Video 1 really made that clear to me. Thanks for being so descriptive and detailed. A much deeper insight and information than I had expected of these videos! – Etana
September 26th, 2008 at 10:11 amBig Fan
Fantastic video. Thank you, Leigh! How about a blog post addressing that water retention issue? Would love to hear more about how to address that kind of thing through diet and supplementation.
Thanks!
September 26th, 2008 at 10:54 ammint tea
Wow, great breakdown of the very different bodies. I really appreciated your observations of Sarah, the new mom that you suspect is retaining water — do you have more pictures of women who are “cloaking” in your upcoming videos?
Unfortunately, I couldn’t see the lines on her arms and legs that you pointed out as a telltale sign of this condition — could you possibly do closeups of examples of these kinds of lines?
September 26th, 2008 at 11:03 amshari
WOw post number2
im not sure if you are joking but if you arent thats a rediculous comment to even make…THESE people asked her to tell the truth to them….dont come to her site if you are just going to attack her…my gosh
September 26th, 2008 at 11:40 amSinead
I think it’s funny to call yourself “The Truth” and then post an anonymous bash. Not cool and definitely not “the truth”.
At any rate, Leigh, I, too, would love to hear more about water retention (especially post-baby) and how to combat that. Would it be more of what you describe in FLTS–upping your water, watching sodium levels, and getting enough sleep–or would it be something more complicated than that?
September 26th, 2008 at 11:47 amLeigh Peele
Sinead-Thank you kindly
Etana-It can be really frustrating to not see anything happen, but, when you start to watch the body you can see small changes taking place. This is why I love photos over anything else for measuring results and progress.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:52 amLeigh Peele
Big Fan-I will make sure to talk more on the water retention. Thanks alot for watching
Mint Tea-I will make sure to do more close ups. Perhaps even just make a larger video period, it came out a bit smaller than I wanted.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:53 amLeigh Peele
PS-Don’t mess wit me or my peeps will get ya
September 26th, 2008 at 11:54 amLeigh Peele
Sinead-You know it really isn’t that complicated but it is beyond complicated. Complicated is relative in this instance to education, your body natural set up, and dedication to making yourself your own little lab rat. There are basic principles but each body and how it responds is different based on so many factors. That being said, I will try and discuss it some more for sure.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:56 amChristine
Wow Leigh, very interesting and informative. I especially liked your recs on calorie amounts for bulking. Also I’d also love to hear more on the water retention issue. Sometimes I get red skin with white blotches on the back of my arms and the front of my thighs.
To “The Truth”, these people wanted Leigh to guess their body fat. It was completely voluntary and it’s unfair of you to bash Leigh. Also, the spell check feature on your browser is your friend. Use it.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:34 pmLeigh Peele
Now now Christine, we know that I can’t spell and am working on my correction of grammar in general. So with that, please leave all insults to “yo mama jokes” and “U-G-L-Y you ain’t got no alibi you ugly, yeah yeah, you ugly.”
September 26th, 2008 at 1:20 pmChristine
Ha, Leigh not you on the spell check. You are great and I could care less about how you spell. However, anyone that’s mean and calling themselves The Truth leaves themselves open for criticism in my book. But in the future, any and all insults will be in the Yo Momma format:)
September 26th, 2008 at 1:44 pmSinead
Leigh, thanks! I’ve noticed a big difference in water retention (as in there’s less of it) since I started drinking a gallon or more of water a day. I didn’t know if things would change more during and after pregnancy, but I’ll keep an eye on it.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:22 pmSarah
Hi Leigh! Thank you so much for including me in your video. I sent you an email with some more information with hopes you could give me a bit of advice. I agree; a blog about water retention, how to recognize it (the redness/lines, etc….I never knew I was holding water), and how to get rid of it would definitely be helpful to a lot of women. Thanks again.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:37 pmKim
Hi Leigh,
Thank you so much for posting that video, I learned a lot and I am looking forward to the next one. I was wondering if you could expand on the water retention topic. I’ve been told by a few people that I am quite lean but seem to be retaining water which makes me look “bigger” than I actually am. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pmThanks!
Missy
OK, finally I was able to watch! Very informative. I also want the water and hormone issues addressed (esp on mine!). I hate now that I wore shorts instead of bikini bottoms, but I was so embarrased at the time! I hope it does not mess up mine too much by not being able to see the thigh/butt area where it meets. But if you email my results, please include what you think I need to do to get rid of the bloat and posture issues/ how to correct. I am sure I have funky pelvis tilt going on! I just want to know how to make it better.
September 26th, 2008 at 5:51 pmThanks so much!!
Annie
Great video.
It’s not the bf number that is so important to me, but how you point out the areas that let us ‘’see” how you make your decision.
I’ve gone back to the pics I sent you and am already guessing at what you will say if you select me in the next video.
Girls and guy, you look good. Again real bodies, different shapes, no fancy professional pics. Reality. I liked it alot.
September 26th, 2008 at 6:46 pmKatie Nemargut
Fantastic Video of course
. Now I can’t wait to see the next one. Sinead congrats on the pregnancy!
You all looked amazing in the video and it was great of you all to submit the photos.
‘The Truth’ U-G-L-Y you ain’t got no alibi you ugly.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:21 pmTim
Hey The Truth
I know people like you. You hate on everyone thinking you are doing something Are you jealous about how you can’t hack it? You got fat to lose yourself and feeling judged and insecure? I dare you to come out of hiding and have a real debate about what is so wrong about Leigh doing what we ASKED her to do in the video. She obviously don’t care what you have to say which makes her that much cooler in my book. Still, I wouldn’t mind going a few rounds if you have the time.
Bring it on chap!
September 26th, 2008 at 7:32 pmguava
Neat video, Leigh. A friend of mine posted it on a fitness forum that I frequent.
September 27th, 2008 at 8:12 amI think you provided some nice estimates, and gave some really good advice to those who submitted their photos to you. One thing I wanted to mention is that that the first two women for whom you provided a body fat percentage estimate would be classified as underweight by BMI scales, and would have been part of that group would would have had to undergo mandatory medical consultation had they been a model at a noted fashion show a while back in Spain. That doesn’t mean I think they’re unhealthy, but I don’t think they’re a good representation of the average woman.
Alexandra, at 5 feet tall and 94 pounds has a BMI of 18.4. I agree that her body fat percentage is likely about 17%, but I don’t understand how you can describe her as “very lean” but also indicate that she has a “very high body fat percentage”. I agree that 17% is probably too high a body fat percentage to compete at as a figure model, but for an average woman, it is indeed very lean (ie. a very low body fat percentage). I think you gave her some really good advice.
Sara, at 5′5′ and 105 pounds, has a BMI of 17.5. At that BMI, it’s very hard to get enough nutrients for her bones and organs with the amount of calories she would be consuming. If she burns a lot of calories with cardiovascular activity, and is otherwise very careful with her diet, it’s probably not unhealthy for her, but on the other hand, it might not be a great target for all women to shoot for. I think your advice to her was very good as well.
In future videos, I’d like you to focus on estimates of women with significant amounts of lean body mass, more like Sue.
Thanks for the video!
Leigh Peele
Sarah-Thanks for being apart of it! I did get your email and I will be responding
Kim-Very welcome and will hit on that issue.
Annie-That is exactly the point, to help everyone look at their own pictures with clarity but for the record yours is coming up in the next round.
September 27th, 2008 at 11:36 amLeigh Peele
Guava-Some excellent points you brought up. I agree that my use of the term lean can be mis-understood. When I speak of lower levels of body fat I think more in ripped, shredded, cut, etc. So lean to me is more towards that relam of “normal small” if that is even a term. However, it would be wise I think for me to watch my wording a little better so thanks for pointing that out.
Basically with the videos and the bodies I have I am trying to hit as many “types” as bodies as possible. Trust me I have a LOT coming and a lot of different types.
Thanks for the feedback so far guys.
September 27th, 2008 at 11:45 amAnna
Thanks for this, Leigh! Can’t wait for round 2!
September 27th, 2008 at 12:33 pmMike
Leigh, speaking of different types of bodies, do you have any males, *formerly* morbidly obese plus packed on a good deal of LBM, but still significantly (and stubbornly) overweight?
If not, is it too late to send in my pics? 
September 27th, 2008 at 10:06 pmBob
Leigh,
Thanks for including my pictures in the video.
It was nice to get the feedback.
My wife/skin fold measuring technician was gratified to know she is accurate.
What you said about my even fat distribution explains why my coworkers don’t seem to notice much when I gain or lose weight.
I’ve dropped about another 7 lbs of fat since those pictures so I am still plugging away.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pmLayla
Hi Leigh,
This is very interesting. I think I am in Sue’s category and i have been trying for a while now. LIke you said, it seems to be very slow and I am yet to wait for the “drop”.
What do you recommend for people like Sue who are “almost” there? I think 2-3% drop in bodyfat would make a huge difference.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:38 pm