Body Fat Percentage of Athletes

Athletes have less body fat than an average person.

Because of genetics and training, the body-fat percentage of athletes can be much lower than those of average people. Even within the athlete population, there are variations in body-fat percentages.

Male Athletes

The normal range of body fat for male athletes is 6 percent to 10 percent. According to the American Dietetic Association's book "Nutrition," male athletes should not go lower than 5 percent body fat.

Female Athletes

The normal range of body fat for female athletes is 10 percent to 15 percent. Female athletes retain normal menstruation at a minimum of 13 percent body fat.

Variances

Body-fat percentages for athletes vary depending on sport. For instance, swimmers have higher percentages than endurance athletes, such as distance runners and cyclists.

Seasonal Change

During the offseason, athletes typically carry higher body-fat percentages.

Contradictions

Research by Christine Mermier of the University of New Mexico suggests that lower body-fat percentages than recommended are acceptable and present in collegiate athletes. For example, the average percentage of male distance runners was found to be 2.9 percent, more than 2 percentage points below the minimum recommendation.

References

• University of Michigan Health System
• Swimmers: Body Fat Mystery!
• International Center for Sports Nutrition