Is 38% body fat overweight or obese for a man?

The ACE chart for men starts the obese category at 25%, so 38% is in it. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, overweight starts at 20% and obese at 25% for ages 20 to 39; 22% and 28% for 40 to 59; 25% and 30% for 60 to 79.

How does 38% compare with the average man?

In the CDC's national survey, 38% was higher than 95 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39, higher than 95 in 100 aged 40 to 59 and leaner than about 9 in 100 aged 60 to 79. The averages for those ages were 26.1%, 28.6% and 30.8%.

What does 38% body fat look like on a man?

The nearest level with a picture is 35%. The same number looks different on different bodies, because of muscle, height, age and where fat is stored.

Body fat · Men

Is 38% body fat good for a man?

38% is in the obese category on the ACE chart for men (25% and over). On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the obese range at every adult age. It is higher than 95 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39 in the CDC survey.

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Category (ACE) · Men

Obese

Essential fat 2 to 5%
Athletes 6 to 13%
Fitness 14 to 17%
Average 18 to 24%
Obese 38% 25% and over

Source: American Council on Exercise

At a glance

38% by age

Healthy range by age

Obese range at every age

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

Source: Gallagher et al., 2000

Compared with US men

Higher than 95 in 100 at ages 20 to 39

Ages 20 to 39 (average 26.1%)Higher than 95 in 100
Ages 40 to 59 (average 28.6%)Higher than 95 in 100
Ages 60 to 79 (average 30.8%)Leaner than about 9 in 100

Source: CDC, NHANES 1999 to 2004

What it looks like

The nearest level to 38%

The nearest level with a picture is 35%. Generated illustrations, not photos of real people.

35% What 35% looks like
Fat is carried across the stomach, chest and back, with a fuller neck and face. Much of it sits around the stomach, which is typical of how men store fat.

Questions

38% body fat, answered

Is 38% body fat good for a man?
38% falls in the obese category on the American Council on Exercise chart for men. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, it is in the obese range at every adult age.
Is 38% body fat overweight or obese for a man?
The ACE chart for men starts the obese category at 25%, so 38% is in it. On the ranges researchers matched to BMI, overweight starts at 20% and obese at 25% for ages 20 to 39; 22% and 28% for 40 to 59; 25% and 30% for 60 to 79.
How does 38% compare with the average man?
In the CDC's national survey, 38% was higher than 95 in 100 US men aged 20 to 39, higher than 95 in 100 aged 40 to 59 and leaner than about 9 in 100 aged 60 to 79. The averages for those ages were 26.1%, 28.6% and 30.8%.
What does 38% body fat look like on a man?
The nearest level with a picture is 35%. The same number looks different on different bodies, because of muscle, height, age and where fat is stored.

Body fat chart for men 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.