Most people do not understand fat. We have been taught by our society, and health related industries that fat is bad.
Fat is not bad or good. Fat is an important part of our body.
Too much fat is bad. Too little fat is bad. The goal is to reach and maintain an appropriate body fat percentage, that supports your health and fitness needs and goals. And that number is different for each individual.
Obesity is a serious health problem that reduces life expectancy by increasing one’s risk of developing coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Heyward, V.H., & Gibson, A.L. (2014). Advanced fitness assessment and exercise prescription (7th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Body composition is a key component of an individual’s health and physical fitness profile.
Obesity is a serious health problem that reduces life expectancy by increasing one’s risk of developing coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Too little body fat also poses a health risk because the body needs a certain amount of fat for normal physiological functions.
Essential lipids, such as phospholipids, are needed for cell membrane formation. Nonessential lipids, like triglycerides found in adipose tissue, provide thermal insulation and store metabolic fuel (free fatty acids).
Essential lipids, such as phospholipids, are needed for cell membrane formation. Nonessential lipids, like triglycerides found in adipose tissue, provide thermal insulation and store metabolic fuel (free fatty acids).
In addition, lipids are involved in the transport and storage of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and in the functioning of the nervous system, the menstrual cycle, and the reproductive system, as well as in growth and maturation during pubescence.
Thus, too little body fatness, as found in individuals with eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), exercise addiction, and certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis, can lead to serious physiological dysfunction.
Recommended body fat percentages vary based upon which chart that you look at. Generally accepted numbers for recommended body fat percentages for healthy, active adults, between 35-55 years old are 7% - 18% for males, and 20% - 33% for females.
You should base the numbers on your health and fitness needs and goals. All of the charts are for reference and are not law or gospel. Find out what is right for you.
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