body fat %- women

tocara

What do you think is a healthy body fat percentage for women?

Does body fat % change with age, or height?

I am 5'3" with 33.1% fat... any links to help me figure out what is a healthy goals would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Cara

tangal88

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/body-fat-chart.php

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

This also has some images to help you better visualize rough BF ranges

http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages

Keep in mind, calculators using weight, height, measurements are just a "rough" guide. Height and weight only will be very inaccurate if you have a good amount of lean muscle mass.

kdiamond

In my opinion, women at our size (I am also 5'3") look good at the 19-24% range. I've been less, I've been more, but right now I am right around 19.5% and I think I look the best.

I will strive to keep my body fat in this range for the rest of my life (I'm 35 now). It is healthy, allows me to eat more, I feel good, and muscle tone is very important for aging bodies. I will never be "skinny" again, I strive to always be fit.

McLifterPants

http://www.healthchecksystems.com/bodyfat.htm

This chart is very helpful. Summary:

10-12% = essential body fat, i.e. needed for survival
14-20% = athletes
21-24% = fitness
25-31% = acceptable
32%+ = obesity

I'm at 22% but aiming for 18-20% because my stomach and thighs still look fluffy to me. But I have a very small chest, so that's not where I'm stockpiling my fat, like a lot of luckier girls, so I feel like I need a lower percentage to look fit than many people!