Is 11% body fat good for a man?
11% is in the athletes category on the ACE chart for men (6 to 13%). On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the healthy range at ages 20 to 59 and below the healthy range at ages 60 to 79. It is leaner than 95 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39 in the CDC survey.
Scanning is free. Full results from $4.99.
Athletes
- Essential fat 2 to 5%
- Athletes 11% 6 to 13%
- Fitness 14 to 17%
- Average 18 to 24%
- Obese 25% and over
Source: American Council on Exercise
11% by age
Healthy range at ages 20 to 39 and 40 to 59
- Ages 20 to 39Healthy range
- Ages 40 to 59Healthy range
- Ages 60 to 79Below healthy range
Source: Gallagher et al., 2000
Leaner than 95 in 100 at ages 20 to 39
- Ages 20 to 39 (average 26.1%)Leaner than 95 in 100
- Ages 40 to 59 (average 28.6%)Leaner than 95 in 100
- Ages 60 to 79 (average 30.8%)Leaner than 95 in 100
Source: CDC, NHANES 1999 to 2004
What 11% body fat looks like
11% sits between the 10% and 15% levels. Generated illustrations, not photos of real people.
-
10% What 10% looks like
Abs show clearly in most light, and the lines between the muscles of the chest, shoulders and arms are easy to see. Veins often show on the forearms. The face looks lean, with a sharp jaw.
-
15% What 15% looks like
Muscle shape shows in the shoulders, arms and chest. The upper abs may show in good light, while the lower belly stays smooth. The face and jaw look lean.
11% body fat, answered
Is 11% body fat good for a man?
11% falls in the athletes category on the American Council on Exercise chart for men. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the healthy range at ages 20 to 59 and below the healthy range at ages 60 to 79.
Is 11% body fat too low for a man?
Essential fat, 2 to 5% for men, is the minimum the body needs to function, and 11% is above it. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, the healthy range starts at 8% for ages 20 to 39, 11% for 40 to 59 and 13% for 60 to 79.
How does 11% compare with the average man?
In the CDC's national survey, 11% was leaner than 95 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39, leaner than 95 in 100 aged 40 to 59 and leaner than 95 in 100 aged 60 to 79. The averages for those ages were 26.1%, 28.6% and 30.8%.
What does 11% body fat look like on a man?
It sits between the 10% and 15% levels, which are shown in the pictures on this page. The same number looks different on different bodies, because of muscle, height, age and where fat is stored.
Find your own number
One photo is enough. No account needed to start.
Start your scan →Scanning is free. Full results from $4.99.
- Only you can see your photos
- Delete any time
- 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.