Is 16% body fat good for a man?
16% is in the fitness category on the ACE chart for men (14 to 17%). On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the healthy range at every adult age. It is leaner than about 94 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39 in the CDC survey.
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Fitness
- Essential fat 2 to 5%
- Athletes 6 to 13%
- Fitness 16% 14 to 17%
- Average 18 to 24%
- Obese 25% and over
Source: American Council on Exercise
16% by age
Healthy range at every age
- Ages 20 to 39Healthy range
- Ages 40 to 59Healthy range
- Ages 60 to 79Healthy range
Source: Gallagher et al., 2000
Leaner than about 94 in 100 at ages 20 to 39
- Ages 20 to 39 (average 26.1%)Leaner than about 94 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 16% body fat looks like
16% sits between the 15% and 20% levels. Generated illustrations, not photos of real people.
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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.
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20% What 20% looks like
The stomach looks flat to slightly soft, with little or no ab definition. Some fat sits at the lower belly and the sides. Muscle shape still shows through a fitted shirt.
16% body fat, answered
Is 16% body fat good for a man?
16% falls in the fitness category on the American Council on Exercise chart for men. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the healthy range at every adult age.
How does 16% compare with the average man?
In the CDC's national survey, 16% was leaner than about 94 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 16% body fat look like on a man?
It sits between the 15% and 20% 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.
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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.