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- Body fat chart for women
Body fat percentage chart for women
The standard body fat categories for women, 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 10 to 13%
- Athletes 14 to 20%
- Fitness 21 to 24%
- Average 25 to 31%
- Obese 32% and over
Essential fat, 10 to 13% for women, 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 21% | 21 to 32% | 33 to 38% | 39% and over |
| Ages 40 to 59 | Under 23% | 23 to 33% | 34 to 39% | 40% and over |
| Ages 60 to 79 | Under 24% | 24 to 35% | 36 to 41% | 42% 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 women in the CDC's national survey, measured by DXA.
Body fat for women, answered
What is a healthy body fat percentage for women?
Published research puts the healthy range for women at about 21% to 32% at ages 20 to 39, 23% to 33% at ages 40 to 59 and 24% to 35% at ages 60 to 79. It rises a little with age.
What is the average body fat percentage for women?
In the CDC's national survey, measured by DXA, average body fat in US adult women ranged from 38% at ages 20 to 39 to 42% 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.