What is Body Fat Percentage?

A well ripped man and a skinny teenager can both have 10% body fat even if they look extremely different. Find out more.

By: Sameer Jha | | Updated: April 26, 2014 10:59 am

One of the first things that gets calculated whenever you join a weight loss program in a gym is your body fat percentage. Most people find the concept confusing as a well ripped man and a skinny teenager can both have 10% body fat even if they look extremely different. Also, two people with equal height and weight can have very different body fat percentages. So, what is it after all? How is it calculated? How much of it is good for you? We answer all these questions and more in the following post. Also Read - “Stop weighing yourself and start measuring your body fat” says Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal

What is body fat percentage? Also Read - Beware! Too much sugar intake in childhood can alter microbiome for life

Simply put, body fat percentage refers to the percentage of fat present in your body. It is important that your percentage isn’t too high or too low. High body fat percentage indicates obesity and can lead to a host of problems. Low body fat percentage is not good either as you require some fat for proper bodily functions, storing energy and cushioning your organs. Also Read - Health tech: Consider having a digital body fat scale if you're on a weight loss mission

How is body fat percentage calculated?

The simplest way to calculate body fat is using callipers. However, calculating your body fat accurately can be more tedious and expensive. Here are some of the methods:

Bioelectrical impedance analysis

This is one of the common methods of calculating body fat percentage. In this method, a low current is sent through your body. Since, muscles store more water the current passes freely through it but faces resistance from the fat.

However, several factors can affect the measurements taken. Some of these are:

Dehydration
Eating a meal before the test
Moderate exercise

It is not known for accuracy, but as time is passing newer technology is helping make this method more exact. (Read: 22 ways fat can kill you)

DEXA Scan

This is the most accurate method, as an X-ray of your body is taken and accurate data about your body fat, bone density, etc. is given.

What is the ideal body fat percentage?

Men and women both require a different body fat percentage. Also, the ideal body fat percentage changes with age.

For women

Age 20-40 years – Ideally, the body fat percentage should be between 21-33%. Anything over 39% indicates obesity.
Age 41-60 years – The ideal range for this age-group is 23-35%. Anything above 40% could indicate obesity.
Age 61-79 years – People in this age-group should have 25-37% body fat. Above 42% of body fat is a cause for concern as it indicates obesity.

For men

Age 20-40 years – The healthy range for men in this group is 8-19%. Anything above 25% indicates obesity.
Age 41-60 years – Ideally, the body fat percentage for these men should be 11-22%. If it is above 27% then it is a cause for concern.
Age 61-79 years – Men in this age-group should have 13-25% body fat. If the body fat percentage is above 30% it indicates obesity and is not at all healthy. (Read: Try HIIT to lose 50% more body fat than people who just do cardio!)

How to lose your body fat

Body fat can be lost by watching your diet and exercising regularly. You can go through our weight loss mega guide for diet tips, exercises and other information that’ll help you reach your goals in a healthy way.

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Published : December 18, 2013 9:24 am | Updated:April 26, 2014 10:59 am

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