Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs. As Bio-impedence determines the resistance to the current as it passes through the body, it provides estimates of body water and body fat.Ībdominal, or visceral, fat is important to know because it is a key player in a variety of health problems - much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind we are all familiar with and that one can grasp with their hand.

Tissues that contain fluid and electrolytes, such as blood, have high conductivity, while fat and bone slow the signal down. A low level (and imperceptible) electrical current is then sent through the body. Once the test is completed, the measurements are put into a formula for the practitioner to estimate body composition.īio-impedence involves standing on a scale, and in some cases pushing the buttons of two electrodes that are placed in your hands. The Skinfold should not include muscle and fascia in order to ensure accuracy. This includes the triceps, shoulder blade, love handle area, abdomen and calves. The skinfold assessment measures the thicknesses of skin and the subcutaneous fat at four to six locations in the body. This is one of the most accessible methods for measuring body composition. Using these two numbers and the density of the water, operators can accurately determine body volume and density, along with the breakdown of fat mass vs. Hydrostatic weighing, or underwater weighing, compares your normal body weight (outside the water) to your body weight while completely submerged in the water. The BOD POD’s air displacement plethysmography eliminates the invasiveness of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and is therefore suitable for frequent, longitudinal tracking of body composition and metabolic changes over time. DEXA results often include bone density as well (bone mineral density - BMD).īased on Air Displacement Plethysmography, the BOD POD uses whole body densitometric principles to determine body composition (Fat and Fat-Free Mass), guaranteeing high accuracy and excellent test-to-test repeatability. A DEXA scan can also measure visceral fat / abdominal fat, which is often associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Most importantly, DEXA body composition technology provides regional body fat results (trunk, arms, legs, pelvis and android/gynoid regions). It determines your total body fat percentage, total fat mass and fat-free mass. The test looks beyond your weight and the traditional body mass index (BMI). The DEXA scan utilizes dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This classification applies to individuals 18 and older and is divided in two categories: body fat percentage chart for women and body fat percentage chart for men.ĭEXA / DXA Scan is widely considered as one of the most accurate and comprehensive body composition tests. It is used by Fitnescity, as well as by prominent health institutions in the country, such as Mount Sinai's Metabolic, Body Composition, and Sports Performance Clinic. It is also based information from the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, Essentials of Exercise Physiology (4th Ed) by McArdle, Katch & Katch and various epidemiological studies. We compiled information from some of the world's most reliable sources. The body fat classification below is based on information from Cosmed, the manufacturer of the BOD POD body composition machine. We know that Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges are outdated, but what is a healthy, sustainable body fat percentage range that we should aim for? Your body fat percentage can indicate whether you fall within the 'low body fat risk', 'ulra lean', 'moderately lean', 'excess fat' or 'high body fat risk' zone. Storage body fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue. The main role of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of lipids, although it also cushions and insulates the body, protecting internal organs in the chest and abdomen. While some storage body fat is needed, excess accumulation of fat can be harmful. The percentage of essential fat is 4–5% in men, and 10–13% in women. This difference is attributed to physiological differences, such as hormones, ovulation and childbearing. Women have higher body fat and essential body fat percentages relative to men for any given level of fitness.

Essential body fatĮssential fat is necessary to maintain life and reproductive functions. Total body fat includes two types of fat: essential body fat and storage body fat.

The body fat percentage (BFP) is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, times 100.

Womens body fat percentages