The percent body fat can be used to classify adults. This may be superior to the body mass index (BMI) which can give misleading results in healthy individuals.
Parameters:
(1) gender
(2) percent body fat
Percent Body Fat in an Adult Male
Interpretation
2 - 5%
essential
6 - 13%
athlete
14 - 17%
fit
18 - 24%
acceptable
>= 25%
obese
Percent Body Fat in an Adult Female
Interpretation
10 - 13%
essential
14 - 20%
athlete
21 - 24%
fit
25 - 31%
acceptable
>= 32%
obese
A percent body fat below the essential category is unhealthy and is associated with cachexia.
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