What is body fat?
Body fat is a layer of something called adipose tissue. It stores energy in the form of lipids for the body to use. There are two types of body fat. Essential body fat and storage body fat.
Essential body fat as it is called “essential” no human body can live without it. It sustains life and maintains the main functions of the body. On the other hand, Storage body fat is the one that bothers everybody.
Storage body fat is found under your skin. And it is the one used for energy when needed.
Conversion factors
1 Pound = 0.4536 Kilogram
1 Inch = 2.54 Centimeter
Ideal Body Fat Percentage Chart
| Men | Women | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | % Body Fat | Age | % Body Fat |
| 20 – 39 | 8 – 19% | 20 – 39 | 21 – 32% |
| 40 – 59 | 11 – 21% | 40 – 59 | 23 – 33% |
| 60 – 79 | 13 – 24% | 60 – 79 | 24 – 35% |
Ideal Body Fat Percentage by Health Category
| Classification | Men % Body Fat | Women % Body Fat |
|---|---|---|
| *Essential fat | 2 – 5% | 10 – 13% |
| Athletes | 6 – 13% | 14 – 20% |
| Fitness | 14 – 17% | 21 – 24% |
| Average | 18 – 24% | 25 – 31% |
| Obese | 25% and higher | 32% and higher |
*Percentage for Essential Fats – This shows the percentage required for essential fats. These fats are considered ‘essential' because they cannot be produced by the body. They are crucial for primary functions like brain development, blood clotting, and controlling inflammation.
Is my body fat percentage healthy?
Ideal body fat percentage breakdown
After calculating your body fat percentage, you might ask whether this percentage is healthy and ideal or not.
You see that 25% and higher of body fat for men and 32% and higher for women are considered obese which is not healthy. High levels of body fat are very dangerous. Usually, it is related to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol.
Other than that, you are in the right place. 6% to 24% of body fat is considered healthy and not related to any diseases.
Consider checking with your dietician if you have a high level of body fat.
