How to Know about Normal Body Fat Percentage for Women

Normal body fat percentage for women depends upon a lot of factors. Unless you know how to interpret these factors, you cannot ultimately declare that you have normal body fat. Basically, however, the general measurement says that if your body fat is more than 30%, then you will be found under the obese category. Apart from these, though, you also have to consider the following things to know about normal body fat percentage for women.

Tip #1: Establish some ranges or levels.

There are different types of charts used to interpret body fat. This raises confusion as to normal body fat percentage for women as well. Some charts take race as part of its criterion, others also consider age. In some instances, greater acceptable body fat percentage may also be established. When this is the case, you may still base your body fat percentage from the chart and compare the difference with other charts you will see online.

Tip #2: Measure body fat percentage using laboratory equipment.

You will never know that your body fat is within the normal range unless you take measurements through the help of a laboratory equipment. There are times when you will be required to enter into a special chamber whereby your body volume will be measured using air or water displacement principles. Other laboratories may also recommend the use of DEXA, a special X-ray specifically made for body fat percentage.

Tip #3: Take note of possible factors that may affect the computation.

As mentioned awhile back, there are several factors that are considered of help when computing for normal body fat percentage. Race, gender and age are common variables used in the process. Generally, women are considered to have more body fat when compared to men. As for age, older women are said to gain more body fat as well when compared to younger ones. As to race, Asians are said to have more fat than those who belong to the white race. However, African-Americans seem to have lesser body fat than those coming from the white race.

Tip #4: You can also base it from Body Mass Index or BMI.

The BMI is a popular measure to compute for normal body fat percentage. Some tools for computation of BMI are already available online. Height and weight are considered important variables in the process and so is age. Basically, normal body fat is achieved if you have a BMI that ranges in between 19 and 24.

Tip #5: Last but not the least, you also have to consider your body’s measurements.

When taking up these measurements, you must be aware of each part of your body. Circumferences of some of your body parts should be taken. For instance, you have to take measurements of your waist circumference before you conclude you have a healthy fat percentage. The common variable says that those with waist sizes of below 35 inches are healthier thus have lower risks of acquiring heart disease.
These are things to bear in mind when you want to know about normal body fat percentage for women. Put all these things together and you can make a conclusion as to whether you belong to the normal range or not.

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