Thursday, August 11, 2011

Percent Body Fat

Definition: Percent body fat is the percentage of fat your body contains. Exact body fat percentage cannot be precisely determined, but multiple methods are used to estimate it. These include: a formula that uses your weight in pounds and waist circumference, the use of calipers to measure skin fold thickness, or bioelectrical impedence calculation.

Some body fat is required for overall health. It plays an important role in protecting internal organs, providing energy, and regulating hormones. Excess body fat is linked to an increased risk for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

For men, a body fat percentage of 15% to 18% body fat is considered normal; for women, 22% to 25% body fat is normal. A body fat percentage of 25% or more for men or 35% of more for women indicates that a person should be considered obese.

Also Known As: body fat percentage

Examples:

Working toward a percent body fat measurement between 15% and 18% is an ideal goal for a healthy adult male.

Weight Loss Glossary


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