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BODY FAT PERCENTAGE
Body Fat Percentage in Athletes
Athletes typically have significantly lower body fat. For example, body fat percentages
of about 20 percent for fit women, and 10 percent for fit men are not uncommon.
Body Fat Percentage Generally Increases with Weight Gain
For average people, weight-gain equals fat-gain. Our body fat increases while our lean
tissue or muscle remains fairly constant. So for most people, body fat percentage
increases with every pound of weight gained.
Body Fat Percentage and Weight Loss
In general, whenever you reduce weight by following a sensible weight loss diet, you
lose mostly body fat. Even though you also lose some lean tissue (muscle), you lose
a lot more fat. So your body fat percentage will reduce. However, if you fast, or try
a fad diet, or use weight loss pills, most of your weight loss may be water-only. So
your body fat percentage will stay virtually unchanged.
Body Fat Percentage and Repeated Dieting
Repeated dieting involving weight loss then weight gain then weight loss etc.
(weight-cycling) tends to increase our body fat percentage. Because when we lose
weight we also lose some muscle, but when we regain weight this muscle is not
replaced. Result? We have increased our fat and decreased our muscle thus raising
our body fat percentage. Another reason why it is important to exercise when dieting,
in order to reduce muscle loss.
Normal Body Fat Percentage
A certain amount of fat is essential for energy reserves, bodily functions and body
protection. However, at present there is no definite guidelines on healthy body fat
percentage. Here are three differing guidelines for healthy or normal body fat
percentages.
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