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 % |