Is 36% body fat overweight or obese for a woman?

The ACE chart for women starts the obese category at 32%, so 36% is in it. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, overweight starts at 33% and obese at 39% for ages 20 to 39; 34% and 40% for 40 to 59; 36% and 42% for 60 to 79.

How does 36% compare with the average woman?

In the CDC's national survey, 36% was leaner than about 58 in 100 US women aged 20 to 39, leaner than about 76 in 100 aged 40 to 59 and leaner than about 86 in 100 aged 60 to 79. The averages for those ages were 37.8%, 40.5% and 42.4%.

What does 36% body fat look like on a woman?

It sits between the 35% and 40% 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.

Body fat · Women

Is 36% body fat good for a woman?

36% is in the obese category on the ACE chart for women (32% and over). On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the overweight range at every adult age. It is leaner than about 58 in 100 US women aged 20 to 39 in the CDC survey.

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Category (ACE) · Women

Obese

Essential fat 10 to 13%
Athletes 14 to 20%
Fitness 21 to 24%
Average 25 to 31%
Obese 36% 32% and over

Source: American Council on Exercise

At a glance

36% by age

Healthy range by age

Overweight range at every age

Ages 20 to 39Overweight range
Ages 40 to 59Overweight range
Ages 60 to 79Overweight range

Source: Gallagher et al., 2000

Compared with US women

Leaner than about 58 in 100 at ages 20 to 39

Ages 20 to 39 (average 37.8%)Leaner than about 58 in 100
Ages 40 to 59 (average 40.5%)Leaner than about 76 in 100
Ages 60 to 79 (average 42.4%)Leaner than about 86 in 100

Source: CDC, NHANES 1999 to 2004

What it looks like

What 36% body fat looks like

36% sits between the 35% and 40% levels. Generated illustrations, not photos of real people.

Questions

36% body fat, answered

Is 36% body fat good for a woman?
36% falls in the obese category on the American Council on Exercise chart for women. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the overweight range at every adult age.
Is 36% body fat overweight or obese for a woman?
The ACE chart for women starts the obese category at 32%, so 36% is in it. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, overweight starts at 33% and obese at 39% for ages 20 to 39; 34% and 40% for 40 to 59; 36% and 42% for 60 to 79.
How does 36% compare with the average woman?
In the CDC's national survey, 36% was leaner than about 58 in 100 US women aged 20 to 39, leaner than about 76 in 100 aged 40 to 59 and leaner than about 86 in 100 aged 60 to 79. The averages for those ages were 37.8%, 40.5% and 42.4%.
What does 36% body fat look like on a woman?
It sits between the 35% and 40% 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.

Body fat chart for women Average body fat by age Body fat calculator

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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.