What Percentage of the Body Fat Is Obese? Charts, Ideal Range, and Measurement Methods
Having an excessive amount of body fat that carries a health risk is considered obesity. Remember that being fat and obese are not the same. The percentage of fat that specifies obesity varies between men and women. In general, when a man has more than 25% of body fat and a woman has over 30% of body fat, they are considered obese.
In this blog post, we will discuss the ideal body fat percentage for men and women, what constitutes obesity, the distinction between fat and obesity, and how to accurately measure body fat percentage.
Body Fat Percentage Obesity Chart
The amount of fat in our bodies can determine whether we have a healthy body weight or not. Considering the fat percentage in someone’s body, we can classify them into which category they fall. We have crafted the chart below with the help of experts to show the general classification as simply as possible. Let’s check out which group you are:
| Category | Men (%) | Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2-5% | 10-13% |
| Athletes | 6-13% | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% |
| Average | 18-24% | 25-30% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 30%+ |
Fat Vs Obese: What Is The Difference?
Being fat does not always mean someone is obese. In medical classification, fat and obese are two different categories. A fat individual simply points to someone who has excess body fat. They may be overweight even without major health risks. Some fat individuals are also noticed to be fit and healthy, who can do their daily tasks with no issues.
In contrast, being obese is recognized as a medical disorder. An obese person has a higher percentage of fat in their body and has a high health risk. We can specify someone as obese when a healthcare professional and medical test confirm that. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the simplest way to measure body fat percentage. When the BMI rating is 30 or higher, it is considered obese.
Unlike fat, obesity has a higher risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc. If you are confused about whether you are fat or obese, you should talk to a medical expert to determine your state.
Ideal Body Fat Percentage Ranges for Men
Men typically have a healthy body fat range between 12% and 20%. However, the range depends on their lifestyle, age, and activity level. For basic body function support, men must have at least 2-5% body fat. Among male athletes, 6-13% of body fat is noticed, which helps them achieve peak performance.
Men who have good physical condition often have a 14-17% fat percentage. On average, most men should maintain 10-20% of body fat to stay healthy. If they have a healthy diet and do regular exercise, they can easily manage a healthy body fat percentage.
Optimal Body Fat Percentage Ranges for Women
Unlike men, women have a higher body fat percentage to maintain their overall health, hormone regulation, and reproductive function. The average healthy fat range for women is 20-30%, and they need at least 10-13% of fat to support basic body function.
Among women athletes, 14-20% of body fat is noticed, while fit women often have 21-24% of body fat. For optimal physical performance and healthy living, average women should maintain 20-30% of body fat.
Why Knowing Your Body Fat Percentage Matters
A common question may come that - what is the importance of knowing your body fat percentage? It is important because knowing the body fat percentage can assist in managing your overall health and fitness more precisely. Without depending only on the BMI, you can take more accurate steps in your fitness journey.
Here are the reasons why it matters:
- You can understand how much fat your body actually has.
- It will distinguish among fat, muscle, and organs, which is crucial for precise actions.
- The measurement will confirm if you are in a healthy weight range.
- Sometimes, measuring body fat can prevent serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint issues.
- You can fine-tune your fitness, routine, diet, workout, and other things.
- It can reveal the reasons behind not losing weight anymore, no muscle gain, and other common concerns.
How to Measure Body Fat Percentage
There are several ways you can measure the body fat percentage. However, it is important to note that each has different accuracy and convenience. Methods like skin-fold calipers, DEXA scans, bioelectrical impedance scales, hydrostatic weighing, and 3D body scanners are currently used worldwide.
If you measure your body fat regularly, it becomes easier to stay on track. Certified fitness trainers can also assist you in measuring body fat accurately and guide you accordingly. When you have specific fitness goals like fat loss, muscle building, or improving health, they can design a personalized fitness plan based on your fat percentage.
Conclusion
High or low, both levels of body fat can impact your health and well-being. If you need a clearer picture of your body composition than weight alone, body fat percentage is a crucial point to notice. The accurate measurement will let you take better control of your health. Do you need a weight loss plan, a modification in your workout routine, and a diet plan that goes with your lifestyle? Monitoring body fat percentage can make a significant difference. You can also get advice from a personal fitness trainer for a better outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BMI the same as body fat percentage?
No. BMI estimates body weight and height. Unlike other metrics, body fat percentage shows how much of your body is composed of fat.
What’s the recommended frequency for measuring body fat percentage?
You should check every 2 to 4 weeks, which is ideal for tracking progress accurately.
Why is body fat percentage more important?
You get a better understanding of your physical condition and well-being. It lets us distinguish between fat and lean mass.
How does age affect body fat percentage?
As you age, metabolism becomes slower and muscle mass tends to decrease. This often increases our body fat percentage.
