How to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage? – The Best 04 Ways

How to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage: There are various ways to figure out your body fat percentage. Body fat percentage is the amount of fat you have in relation to the amount of lean mass. Both male and female carry different amounts of body fat percentage.

As per reports, the healthy range of body fat percentage is 10% to 20% for men, and 15% to 25% for female. You can calculate your body fat percentage at home by using our ‘Body Fat Calculator‘. Just you will need some basic tape measure to get an instant body fat measurement. Here is the step below to measure body fat percentage.

Body Fat Percentage Categories

There are five different ranges for body fat categories according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). By following these categories you can compare your body fat percentage with other men or women. Note that these categories are based on body fat norms, and may not be indicative of your specific level of fitness or health.

 Description Women Men
 Essential Fat  10-13% 2-5%
 Athletes  14-20% 6-13%
 Fitness  21-24% 14-17%
 Acceptable  25-31% 18-24%
 Obese  >32%  >25%

How to Use Body Fat Calculator?

Our body fat calculator is design to estimate your total body fat based on specific measurements. To figure out your body fat percentage you need to select the gender and, then enter your weight, height, neck and waist circumference, and click on ‘Submit’ button.

Our Body Fat Calculator uses a specific formula to calculate your body fat percentage. This formula is a bit different for men and women. The formula is –

For Male:- 

  • (Total bodyweight x 1.082) + 94.42

For Female:-

  • (Total bodyweight x 0.732) + 8.987

How to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage For Male & Female?

The measurements that need to be taken are a little bit different for both men and women. Male only need to measure  waist circumference, where female measure other parts of the body, including hips, wrist, and forearm.

01. For Men:-

  • Current Weight:- Use a digital scale to check your current weight.
  • Waist Circumference:- Measure the largest body part of your stomach, basically at the level of your belly button. Make sure the tape measure is level with the floor and, do not hold your breath or suck to get the measurement.

02. For Women:-

  • Current Weight:- Use a digital scale to check your current weight.
  • Waist Circumference:- Measure the largest body part of your stomach, basically at the level of your belly button. Make sure the tape measure is level with the floor and, do not hold your breath or suck to get the measurement.
  • Wrist Circumference:- You need to measure around the smallest part of your wrist. It is vary hard to measure one-handed, so you may need a partner to help with this measurement.
  • Hip Circumference:-  You need to measure around the largest part of your hips, usually in the posterior extension of the glutes (where your butt extends back).
  • Forearm Circumference:- You need to measure around at the widest part of your arm below your elbow. Keep your arm relaxed during the measurement and let it hang alongside your body (do not bend or bend the arm during the measurement).

Why Measure Body Fat Percentage?

Your body fat percentage is the value that tells you how much of your body weight is made up of fat. Carrying extra fat is a condition called obesity, and puts a man at risk for different serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer. In terms of your overall health, your body fat percentage can be one of the most useful numbers available to you, so measuring and understanding your body fat percentage is incredibly important.

Different Ways to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage

There are different ways to measure body fat percentage such as DeXA Scanning, Hydrostatic Weighing, etc. Here below we have written some brief information about these methods and their pros and cons.

01. DeXA Scanning:- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DeXA) scanning is a method which is commonly used for assessing body composition, including body fat percentage, lean mass, and bone density. This test is often costly and not be available to everywhere. 

02. Bioelectrical Impedance:- This method is commonly used for estimating body composition, including body fat percentage, using electrical impedance. While BIA is a convenient method for estimating body composition, it is important to note that it provides estimates rather than direct measurements.
03. Hydrostatic Weighing:- This method is considered one of the most accurate measurement of body fat percentage. However, it requires a person to be fully submerged in a tank of water while holding their breath.
04. Body Circumference Measurements:- Body shape varies from person to person, and your body shape provides information about your body fat. This is very simple method of measuring the circumference of certain body parts of body fat estimation.

How to Reduce Body Fat?

Above we have learned ‘How to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage’, now we will look at ways to burn fat fast. Reducing fat involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes. Though its important to consult with doctor, and if they determines that losing body fat is safe for you, then here is some tips to lose your belly fat –

Related:- How to Get a Lower Body Fat Percentage?

01. Regular Exercise:- In order to reduce body fat, you have to engage in regular physical activity to burn calories.  Both include cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, and strength training exercises such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises that helps build muscle, which can increase your metabolism and aid in fat burning.

02. Stay Hydrated:- You should drink plenty of water throughout the day as water helps you stay hydrated, aids digestion and can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overeating.

03. Resistance Training:- This training helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Muscles are metabolically active, meaning they burn more calories even at rest. By increasing your muscle mass, you can increase your basal metabolic rate and lose fat.

Body Fat Percentage and Body Mass Index: Differences 

BFP and BMI are two different measurements that assess aspects of body composition and health. Here are some key differences between the Body Fat Percentage and Body Mass Index:-
1. Measurement Focus:- Body Fat Percentage specifically measures the proportion of fat mass in relation to the total body weight, whereas Body Mass Index measures the relationship between weight and height. BFP provides an estimate of the amount of mass, whereas BMI provides an estimate of body size or weight status, but does not directly measure body fat.
2.Calculation Method:- BFP can be calculated using various methods such as DEXA scans, skinfold calipers, BIA devices, or other special techniques that directly measure body fat content, whereas BMI is calculated using simple formula that involves dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height (m).
3. Important Factors:- Body Fat Percentage measurements can be influenced by factors such as hydration levels and measurement method, whereas BMI measurements can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, bone density, or body shape, which can affect overall health and risk factors.

Conclusin

I hope the answer of the question ‘How to Figure Out Body Fat Percentage?’ – There are some othher methods of measuring body fat which are not listed here. However, you should consult with a healthcare provider to access your health risks, and make a plan for staying healthy.

FAQs:-

To check body fat percentage at home, you can use calipers, one of the most easiest and portable method.
To calculate body fat percentage in kilograms, multiply the body fat percentage by total body weight.
As per reports, the healthy range of body fat percentage is 10% to 20% for men, and 15% to 25% for female.
More than 30% body fat for women and 25% for men are considered overweight.
If your total body weight is 160 pounds, and if you have 32 pounds of fat, your body fat percentage is 20%.

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