Objective metrics

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lebbyloses
lebbyloses Posts: 133 Member
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
I'm getting close to my somewhat arbitrary goal weight. But I am still fat.

That is not what I'm hearing from loved ones, and I don't know what to think. I've had some eating issues in my distant past, and I know how a distorted body image can fool you. But I also think people got used to seeing me obese, so just a barely normal bmi looks really thin to them.

So since it looks like I will still think I'm fat when I get to my goal, I decided I need some objective information. I've made an appointment to get my body fat measured this Sunday (caliper method). I'm going to use that to determine my next goal. I want to be slim but strong and healthy, and I want to be at a sustainable size. But here's the thing? I don't know what body fat percentage that is. What should I be aiming for? I'm female, and I'll be 32 right around when I get to goal (best present ever).

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  • PaliDNAnge
    PaliDNAnge Posts: 81 Member
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    I think I understand where you're coming from. Yes, the goal weight is usually arbitrary. That's why when people ask me, I say my goal weight is this, but it may change depending on other factors. The main factor is body fat. If I can get that down to where I want, I don't care (or at least I hope and I don't care) what the scale says.

    As for viewing yourself as fat, I see myself as still being fat when I look in the mirror even though everyone is calling me skinny. Like you, I think that they're used to my larger body, that my smaller body looks really small to them. Another part of it is that I think we get used to the new body without our minds acknowledging that the new body is smaller than the old one.

    What body fat to have depends on what you want. The website below has a chart of the different body fat percentages for men and women. The average body fat for women is 25-31%. Fit is 21-24%, and athletic is 14-20%.

    http://www.builtlean.com/2010/08/03/ideal-body-fat-percentage-chart/

    This other website below has a chart based on age. For your age, the ranges are similar to the ones above.

    http://www.brainyweightloss.com/body-fat-percentage-chart.html

    So you have plenty of room to find a goal that suits what you want.

    By the way, congrats on your success! And what a great gift to yourself!!
  • lebbyloses
    lebbyloses Posts: 133 Member
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    Thanks!
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
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    body-fat-percentage-women-1.jpg
    body-fat-percentage-women.jpg
    Body Fat Percentage Women 10-12%

    This is an extremely low body fat level typically attained by female bodybuilders. Essential fat for women is round 8-10% compared to 2% for men. Why the difference? Women have more fat in breast tissue and the area surrounding the uterus. This level of body fat is not considered safe, or healthy for women who will be unable to menstruate. Striations of muscle, separation between muscles, clear vascularity are all noticeable at this level. The women in the photo is likely at the higher end of the range at 12% body fat because she is not too vascular.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 15-17%

    This is still considered a very low body fat for women, which is similar to the 6-7% body fat for range men. Many bikini and fitness models will reach this body fat level and some may not be able to menstruate. Muscle definition in the abs, legs, arms, and shoulders is apparent, there is some vascularity and some separation between muscles. Hips, buttocks, and thighs generally have a little less shape because of the low body fat.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 20-22%

    This is body fat percentage is usually in the “fit” category of most body fat charts and is typical of many female athletes. Some definition in the abs is apparent, there is body fat on the arms and legs, but it’s not too pronounced. There is minimal, but some separation between muscles.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 25%

    This is on the low end of what’s average for most women and is characterized by a shape that is neither too slim, nor overweight. Curves in the hips are usually more apparent along with more fat in the buttocks and thighs. A 5’4” women who weighs 130lb and has 97lb of lean body mass has 25% body fat.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 30%

    While most men have fat funnel into their stomachs, as the body fat of most women (but certainly not all) increases, this fat tends to accumulate in the hips, buttocks, and thighs. At 30% body fat, the hips, thighs, and buttocks are more pronounced and round. This is considered the high end of average for women in many body fat charts.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 35%

    The hips become even wider at this level of body fat and the face and neck will appear rounder and more full. Hip circumference can start approaching 40+ inches and waist circumference of 32+ inches. Some belly fat may start protruding over the waist as well.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 40%

    The hips and thighs grow larger so that hip circumference can reach 42+ inches, waist of 35 inches, and thighs over 25 inches.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 45%

    The skin may begin to lose its smooth appearance as more and more fat accumulates. Hip Circumference can may reach 45 inches+ and waist circumference 35+ inches. The hips may become noticeably wider than the shoulders.

    Body Fat Percentage Women 50%

    The will likely look like it has dimples more fat accumulates. Hip Circumference can may reach 45+ inches and waist circumference 40+ inches and thighs above 30+ inches. The hips will likely be noticeably wider than the shoulders. To put it in better perspective, a 5’4” women who weighs 200lb and has 100lb of lean body mass has 50% body fat.

    Taken from: http://www.builtlean.com/2012/09/24/body-fat-percentage-men-women/

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