CalculatorCrave body fat percentage calculator estimates the amount of fat in the body relative to total body weight. It is usually calculated based on factors such as height, weight, age, and gender.

What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the total percentage of fat in the body relative to the total body weight. Different levels of body fat percentage have varying implications on overall health.

Method Used

• Jackson-Pollock formula,
• the BMI method, and
• the Navy Method.

Maintaining Body Fat

Scientific implications of measuring body fat percentage include assessing overall health, monitoring changes in body composition over time, and tracking progress in weight loss or fitness goals. High body fat percentage has been associated with increased risk of various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, accurately measuring and monitoring body fat percentage is important for maintaining a healthy body composition and reducing health risks.

• Essential fat: This is the minimum level of body fat needed to maintain basic bodily functions. For men, essential fat levels are around 2-5%, while for women it is around 10-13%. Having too low of an essential fat percentage can lead to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and organ damage.
• Athletes: Athletes typically have body fat percentages ranging from 6-13% for men and 14-20% for women. This level of body fat is considered optimal for performance in sports. However, excessively low body fat levels can lead to decreased immune function, decreased energy levels, and an increased risk of injury.
• Fitness/healthy range: For general health and fitness, body fat percentages of 14-17% for men and 21-24% for women are considered healthy. Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• Overweight/obese: Body fat percentages above the healthy range can lead to obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It is important to monitor and manage body fat levels to maintain overall health and well-being.

Body Fat Health Facts

• Body fat percentage is an important indicator of overall health and can impact risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• A healthy body fat percentage varies depending on age, gender, and fitness level, but generally ranges from 14-24% for women and 6-17% for men.
• Excess body fat percentage can lead to obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.
• It is possible to have a healthy weight but still have a high body fat percentage, which is known as "skinny fat." This can be a risk factor for health issues despite a normal BMI.
• The most accurate way to measure body fat percentage is through methods such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, hydrostatic weighing, or bioelectrical impedance analysis. However, simpler methods like skinfold calipers or body fat scales can also provide a rough estimate.