Ideal body fat percentage for men and women by age

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It is very difficult to give an exact figure of ideal body fat percentage. However, you can still measure your body fat percentage based on many different methods. In fact, female body fat percentage and male body fat percentage always differ by age.

1. Methods used to measure body fat percentage

There are many methods used for the purpose of measuring fat percentage. However, most of us always want to find the simplest method that costs the least. That comes with an error in the results, but these methods are still the preferred choice for assessing body fat percentage.
Skin caliper Fat tissue is considered to be located mainly under the skin. Based on that statement, the researchers hypothesized that when excess fat appeared, the caliper would be able to clamp that fat. This is a method that was discovered and developed by a sports coach.
However, you will have trouble using the skin fold method if the person measuring you each time is different. You need to learn about weight and should only ask 1 person to measure during the evaluation of body fat percentage so that the results do not appear to have large errors.
Other method Some people are afraid to move around but want to have their fat percentage measured at home, so they hesitate to ask for help. You can ask for a tape measure or a scale to make a rough assessment of your weight and body measurements. This is a pretty effective method of body tracking.
However, a tape measure or a scale cannot measure body fat percentage. Everything is just a perception of the change of the indicators compared to the original. You do not know your body fat percentage, but you will feel your body is losing fat in a positive way.

2. Ideal female body fat percentage

BMI calculation method based on height and body weight only. Therefore, in different sexes, the ratio will be different and errors will appear. When we talk about men and women, we often think that women tend to store more fat. The female body for reproduction and other activities with a slightly higher percentage of fat.
Female body fat percentage is divided into different groups. Based on a wide range of study subjects with different ages and occupations, the researchers found the ideal and excess body fat ranges for women:
10 - 13% fat: Most fat as just enough for survival; 14 - 20% fat: Female body fat percentage suitable for athletes; 21 - 24% fat: Fat percentage is common in people with good health and good shape; 25 - 31% fat: The fat percentage is for those who are not too demanding on the body or want the body to be too toned; Over 32% fat is a potential risk of excess fat and the possibility of dangerous obesity. Another study concluded that age also affects female body fat percentage:
20 - 39 years old: Fat percentage accounted for 21 - 32%; 40 - 59 years old: Fat percentage accounts for 23 - 33%; 60 - 79 years old: Fat percentage accounts for 24 - 35%.

3. Ideal male body fat percentage

Ideal male body fat percentage tends to be lower than female body fat percentage. Most men have lean muscle, which affects the percentage of body fat. In particular, women of reproductive age need a higher percentage of fat to protect their bodies from dangers during pregnancy. Therefore, the fat index in the studied men is somewhat lower:
2 - 5% fat: The amount of fat is barely enough for survival; 6 - 13% fat: Female body fat percentage suitable for athletes; 14 - 17% fat: Fat percentage is common in people with good health and good shape; 18 - 24% fat: The fat percentage is for those who are not too demanding about the body or want the body to be too toned; Over 25% of men have begun to be assessed as obese and have an increased risk of diabetes, blood lipids, and heart disease.... At the same time, the scientists also conducted a study on the fluctuation of fat percentage. body in men based on age to compare with women:
20 - 39 years old: Fat percentage accounted for 8 - 19%; 40 - 59 years old: Fat percentage accounts for 11 - 21%; 60 - 79 years old: Fat percentage accounts for 13 - 24%.

4. Influence of BMI in fat percentage measurement

Let's remember the BMI calculation method that measures body mass index. Just have a quiz measuring height and weight you can completely calculate body BMI quickly and easily. Based on studies, BMI is understood with the following meanings:
Under 18.5 is underweight or underweight, this person is prone to malnutrition; From 18.5 to 24.9 is the ideal BMI level, the body balances the risk of disease, the disease is also limited and the health is kept at a stable level; Between 25 and 29.9 you are entering a phase of excess weight that needs to be addressed. At this level all problems are not too dangerous to be improved; Over 30 you are already obese and have an increased risk of cholesterol, diabetes, stroke .... One note you need to know is that BMI only applies to subjects from 20 years old because then the body We are almost complete development. At this point the body moves towards balance. Under the age of 20 we are still growing, so the weight and BMI can skyrocket.

5. Some problems you often encounter when calculating your body fat percentage

In each method of weighing and measuring fat percentage, there are certain disadvantages. Therefore, the results you calculate are for reference only as they sometimes give errors up to 8%. In other words, this is just a way for you to assess the risk of obesity, not an accurate assessment of your ideal body fat percentage.
Each body will have a separate structure, so it is difficult to accurately evaluate according to a general formula system. If you have a larger skeleton or a different percentage of muscle mass, that will be an issue affecting the results of the assessment. Therefore, it is not possible to use measurement methods to compare, only track your own weight loss progress.

6. Helpful advice from experts

If you do not know the basics of body fat percentage, do not hesitate to consult an expert. They are researchers with a wealth of experience that will help you solve these difficult problems.
A nutritionist will help you calculate and come up with the most suitable exercise plan for your health. At the same time, the machine at the medical facility will give you results to tell you what substances your body needs to add and what substances to limit. A reasonable lifestyle and healthy diet methods will always give you energy to fight the devastating risk of disease.
You can choose any fat percentage measurement method you want. However, sugar ignores the nutritional menu and physical exercises to improve mental health. The combination of positive methods will always be an effective solution for you to achieve success.

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Reference source: healthline.com