Average Percent Body Fat

Average Percent Body Fat has Nothing to do with BMI

BMI or Body Mass Index is a statistical measure for populations only, not individuals.

For example if the government of this country wants to determine if a large number of the population are overweight it would average out the BMI

You can take your BMI by dividing your weight by your height squared.

If you are not interested in your average percent body fat and would like to know your BMI you can use our BMI calculator on our Fitness Tools page.

Body fat percentage or body composition measurement is a very important and crucial aspect of any fitness program.

You Get your Body Composition Measured before any Serious Attempt at Conquering your Fitness Goals

Even though men and women have the same muscles their average percent body fat differs.  This is due to hormonal differences primarily.  The following chart states different ranges of body fat percentage.  If you are looking for information about women please visit the women's average percent body fat page.

Interpretation of the Average Percent Body Fat Chart

Lean:  Generally, unless you naturally fall in this category you will not feel comfortable when your body fat percentage is this low.  If your body fat percentage drops below the lowest level on the chart, you could run into serious problems.  We have a level of essential fat.  This essential fat is required for life, without it we would die.

Ideal:  This is the category you want your body fat percentage to fall in.  You will feel comfortable in your own body, look and feel best when your body fat is in the ideal category.  Your body will have good muscle tone and definition.

Average:  If your body fat percentage falls in the average category you will most likely feel good about your body weight, but probably want to lose a couple pounds and tone up.  Some people whose body fat falls in the average category feel fine and don't want to lose any body fat.

Overfat:  You simply need to lose body fat.  If you maintain an overfat body fat percentage for long periods of time, you run the risk of developing many health problems.  Secondly you will not look your best when you have a high body fat percentage.

If You are Not Happy with Your Body Composition Do you Have Many Options ?

Many people who have tried to lower their body fat percentage have failed.  The top method of reducing percent body fat is dieting.  Unfortunately the diets which most people try are only short term solutions and they end up gaining the weight back.

If all your diets in the past have failed you should check out some of the best diets.  Being on a diet is not the best solution. 

Exercise is the key to speeding up the process of lowering your body fat percentage.  A combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight training will work wonders for your body composition and keep you healthy and living a long healthy life.

Why Nutrition is so Important

It is best to start an exercise program which aims at reducing percent body fat with a base of solid nutrition.  If your nutrition program is good, you can determine if your exercise plan you choose is producing results more accurately.

Best Cardio Exercise

Cardiovascular Exercise should be the base of your exercise routine.  Learn how there is many different ways to perform your cardio.  There is also many different ways in which you can use the best cardio machines.

Muscle Building

Weight training can be very important to elevate your metabolism.  You don't need to get bulky muscles, building a couple pounds of muscle, can do wonders for your metabolism and make your cardio, and activities of daily living more efficient.