Definition of Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat to fat free mass in the body. To calculate body fat percentage, you divide the weight of body fat by total body weight. The number obtained represents both essential and storage fat values in the body. Certain body fat percentages are associated with better health and improved performance in sports.
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The Facts
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In the human body, there are two types of fat: storage and essential. Storage fat serves to cushion and protect vital organs in the chest and abdomen. Essential fat is the amount of fat necessary to maintain life and the function of reproductive organs. Essential fat values for women are higher than those for men due to the demands of childbearing and hormone function.
Significance
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Bodyfat percentage is used to gauge individual fitness levels and health risk. Certain body fat percentage levels are associated with improved health as well as athletic performance. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control have determined that higher body fat percentages--more than 30 percent--are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
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Identification
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There are several methods used to identify body fat percentage. The easiest is to use the BMI scale. For athletes, lactating women and adults over 65, measuring BMI is not the most accurate assessment tool. Better methods used to determine body fat percentage are skinfold measurements, underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance and DEXA scan. Of these, skinfold and bioelectrical impedance are most popular. DEXA scan and underwater weighing are the most accurate. but often difficult to find.
Recommendations
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An ideal body fat percentage depends on the individual. An ideal value for a man of normal weight is between 12 and 20 percent. The ideal value for a woman of normal weight is between 20 and 30 percent. Aside from gender and age, lifestyle and stage of life also determine body fat percentage. For example, for a woman in the early stages of pregnancy, too little or too much body fat could compromise the pregnancy and lead to complications. On the other hand, the competitive athlete in an endurance event would require just enough body fat to provide fuel, insulation and maintain hormonal function.
Warning
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Aiming for a very low percentage of body fat is not recommended. Women with low levels of body fat risk infertility, depression, abnormal hunger and hormonal regulation. Low levels of body fat are also associated with impaired athletic performance and health complications.
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