What really is a healthy body fat percentage?

QueenofCups · April 2011

I have seen anything from 18% to 33% (max) on numerous websites, in magazines, and in "diet" books. I am at 22-27% (depending on which method I use to measure, and no I have not had calipers used or tank submersion done). I am having a hard time losing weight now that I am nearing my goal weight, and want to know exactly how many fat pounds do I need to focus on losing. Supposedly I am already at a healthy BF%, but I still feel huge. Granted, I am a far cry from my starting point of 36% BF, but I want to know what's reasonable. Thanks!

taso42_DELETED · April 2011

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

cmbneeley · April 2011

well, all i've heard is that the average american is about 35%, adn that healthy is about 25% for women (lower for men). but i learne dthat watching biggest loser-- so i'm not an expert.

misschocolate82 · April 2011

I have recently bought some body fat measuring scales....in their booklet, for a woman of my age (28) is saying healthy percentage is between 16.5 and 22%.
Which for me personally sounds about right as mine is 32% (was higher not that long ago) and I know I'm I currently still carrying a lot of excess fat.
x

jdg1mfp · April 2011

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

Thanks I've been looking for a chart like this.
Think I'm gonna shoot for athlete. :smokin:

freerange · April 2011

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

Read this.

Egger29 · April 2011

Traditionally.....for women it's 18% - 26% is in the Normal/Healthy range, 27%-32% is Overweight and 33+ is Very Overweight.

taso42_DELETED · April 2011

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

Read this.

Nice, I just put that one in my sig for safe keeping!

forthefab5 · April 2011

Bump - nice chart Taso!

TAWoody · April 2011

I keep it simple and use the Marine Corps standards. If you're fit enough for the Corps then you're in good shape. The max percents are below.

MALE
AGE 17-26: 18%
AGE 27-39: 19%
AGE 40-45: 20%
AGE 46+ :21%

FEMALE
AGE 17-26: 26%
AGE 27-39: 27%
AGE 40-45: 28%
AGE 46+: 29%

QueenofCups · April 2011

I keep it simple and use the Marine Corps standards. If you're fit enough for the Corps then you're in good shape. The max percents are below.

MALE
AGE 17-26: 18%
AGE 27-39: 19%
AGE 40-45: 20%
AGE 46+ :21%

FEMALE
AGE 17-26: 26%
AGE 27-39: 27%
AGE 40-45: 28%
AGE 46+: 29%

Thanks! Guess I am *barely* fit enough for the Corps. Sweet.

rachmaree · April 2011

Thanks for the link with the pictures- very interesting to see the differences.

CrimsonWife · April 2011

15%-20% is considered "ideal" for women, depending on your figure (boyish, curvy, or in between).

What really is a healthy body fat percentage?

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