Body Fat

The ideal percentage of body fat varies between each individual depending on various factors such as body type, hereditary, age, activity levels and eating habits. However for any one person there’s no reason why body fat percentage should be above 25 percent if the general lifestyle provides adequate activity.

Age is also a major factor for changes in body fat percentage, as we age we tend to store more fat mainly due to a lowered metabolism and changes in hormones. It is interesting to note that the actual numbers of fat cells are established up to the age of around 16 years. After this age an increase in fat storage results in the expansion of each fat cell not an increase in the numbers.

Recommended Body Fat

Levels for Men:
Male Age Too Little Healthy Range Overweight Obese
20 - 39 years Below 8 % 8 - 19 % 19 - 25 % Over 25 %
40 - 59 years Below 11 % 11 - 22 % 22 - 27 % Over 27 %
60 - 79 years Below 13 % 13 - 25 % 25 - 30 % Over 30 %
Levels for Women:
Female Age Too Little Healthy Range Overweight Obese
20 - 39 years Below 21 % 21 - 33 % 33 - 39 % Over 39 %
40 - 59 years Below 23 % 23 - 35 % 35 - 40 % Over 40 %
60 - 79 years Below 24 % 24 - 36 % 36 - 42 % Over 42 %