What Is Body Fat %:
Your body fat percentage is simply the percentage of fat your body contains. If you are 150 pounds and 10% fat, it means that your body consists of 15 pounds fat and 135 pounds lean body mass (bone, muscle, organ tissue, blood and everything else).
A certain amount of fat is essential to bodily functions. Fat regulates body temperature, cushions and insulates organs and tissues and is the main form of the body’s energy storage.
Body Fat Percentages
Men
Essential fat 2%-5%
Athlete 6%-13%
Fitness 14%-17%
Acceptable 18%-24%
Obese 25% +
Women
Essential fat 10%-13%
Athlete 14%-20%
Fitness 21%-24%
Acceptable 25%-31%
Obese 32% +
Why we focus on Body Fat %
Of any number we focus on Body Fat % is one that is a good measure of overall health. Your weight can be deceiving because as you hopefully continue on your journey with Sweat Atlanta your body will change, you may put on some muscle tone and muscle weighs more than fat. Your weight may stay the same but you are actually losing fat % and gaining tone in your muscle. Focus in on this number and keep up the good work.
Thanks for this information! I always focus on my weight on the scale, and sometimes feel discouraged when I don’t lose any pounds. But I should think about my body fat percentage and muscle mass instead. It’s good to know the percentages and work towards those goals instead of number on the scale.