Recommended Body Fat Percentages for Men and Women
Body Fat percentage is the amount of fat on your body in comparison to lean body mass. Many health and fitness experts believe a body fat percentage test is the best way to determine your fitness level.
A person may have a high BMI (body mass index) and still be healthy. Elite athletes can consume 6000 calories a day and still be in excellent physical shape. Scales don't take your frame size into account and neither do height to weight charts.
Below are two popular charts.
| Male | Category | Women | |
| 5% | Essential | 10% | |
| 10% or less | Athletic | 17% or less | |
| 10% - 15% | Lean | 17% - 22% | |
| 15% - 18% | Normal | 22% - 25% | |
| 18% - 20% | Above Average | 25% - 29% | |
| 21% - 25% | Overfat | 30% - 35% | |
| 25%+ | Obese | 35%+ |
| Classification | Male | Women | |
| Essential | 2% - 4% | 10% - 12% | |
| Athletic | 6% - 13% | 14% - 20% | |
| Fitness | 14% - 17% | 21% - 24% | |
| Acceptable | 18% - 25% | 25% - 31% | |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ | |
| 21% - 25% | Overfat | 30% - 35% |
Body fat increases with age. A small percentage increase is OK, too much is not.
There are many ways to check your body fat percentage. Here are some examples:
Hydrostatic weighing. This method is the most accurate body fat test and is often called dunking.
You're weighed under water to find your fat to lean mass ratio. This requires special equipment. You can try this at many schools and universities for $25 - 50.
DEXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). This technique uses X-rays to distinguish between fat and lean body mass. It's another accurate method. You can have it done with a doctor's referral at most hospitals. Bring your wallet, because it can cost hundreds of dollars.
Skin-fold calipers. This measurement can be a good measure if done correctly. Accuracy depends highly on the administrators testing skills; therefore, it can produce skewed results.
It usually costs $10 at most gyms and health clubs. You get what you pay for.
Body fat scales. Household scales that measure body fat get mixed reviews from professionals. Get a professional reading, then try a scale and see how it compares. Costs range from $50 and up.
Information courtesy of ibodyfit.com
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