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- Body fat chart for men
Body fat percentage chart for men
The standard body fat categories for men, and the healthy range for each age group, from published research. Your own number takes a front and side photo.
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- Essential fat 2 to 5%
- Athletes 6 to 13%
- Fitness 14 to 17%
- Average 18 to 24%
- Obese 25% and over
Essential fat, 2 to 5% for men, is the minimum the body needs to function. It is a floor, not a target.
Source: American Council on Exercise
What counts as healthy changes with age
Researchers matched body fat to the standard BMI cutoffs for underweight, overweight and obesity. The healthy range moves up a little in each age group. This is a separate scale from the fitness categories above, so the cutoffs differ.
| Age | Low | Healthy | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 20 to 39 | Under 8% | 8 to 19% | 20 to 24% | 25% and over |
| Ages 40 to 59 | Under 11% | 11 to 21% | 22 to 27% | 28% and over |
| Ages 60 to 79 | Under 13% | 13 to 24% | 25 to 29% | 30% and over |
Based on African American and white adults. The same study found Asian adults reached each BMI cutoff at a higher body fat.
Source: Gallagher et al., 2000
Average body fat rises through adult life
The lowest and highest adult group averages for men in the CDC's national survey, measured by DXA.
Body fat for men, answered
What is a healthy body fat percentage for men?
Published research puts the healthy range for men at about 8% to 19% at ages 20 to 39, 11% to 21% at ages 40 to 59 and 13% to 24% at ages 60 to 79. It rises a little with age.
What is the average body fat percentage for men?
In the CDC's national survey, measured by DXA, average body fat in US adult men ranged from 26% at ages 20 to 39 to 31% at ages 60 to 79 (1999 to 2004).
How can I find out my body fat percentage?
A DXA scan is the common reference measurement. Skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales and tape measure formulas are cheaper options. Bodyscanly estimates it from a front and side photo.
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- Sources
- American Council on Exercise. What are the guidelines for percentage of body fat loss? Link
- Gallagher D, Heymsfield SB, Heo M, et al. Healthy percentage body fat ranges: an approach for developing guidelines based on body mass index. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2000;72(3):694-701. Table 4. Link
- Borrud LG, Flegal KM, Looker AC, et al. Body composition data for individuals 8 years of age and older: U.S. population, 1999 to 2004. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 11(250), 2010. Link
- These ranges are general guides. Bodyscanly gives estimates, not medical advice.