"Desirable" Percentage Fat Content
for Women and Men
This chart indicates typical body fat contents for various body types, female and male:
| Body Type | Female |
Male
| Athlete | <17% |
<10%
| Lean | 17-22% |
10-15%
| Normal | 22-25% |
15-18%
| Above Average | 25-29% |
18-20%
| Overfat | 29-35% |
20-25%
| Obese | 35+% |
25+% | | | | | | |
|---|
| ACSM Standards |
Fitness | Health
| Female
(< 40 years) |
16-28% |
20-35%
| Female
(< 40 years) |
16-33% |
20-38%
|
Male (< 40 years) |
5-15% |
8-22%
|
Male (> 40 years) |
5-18% |
8-25% | | | | |
|---|
For women, body fat percentages may become too low and lead to
amenorrhea, leading to more complicated problems including
osteoporosis. Female athletes and in women with anorexia
nervosa are at high risk. These individuals should seek
medical attention immediately.
This chart is used in conjunction with the
client questionnaire on this site.
Also, please visit our calculators
page and our body fat scales product page.
Have Your Body Fat Percentage
Analyzed!
