How Much Body Fat is Too Much?

Words like weight loss, fat loss, diet control and exercise are the new buzz words floating around the media today. Diet and exercise are promoted at every turn to trim and tone the unwanted and unsightly parts. We are told that the average person has too much body fat. And, for the most part that is true. But, do we really know how much body fat is too much?

What Is Body Fat For?

Contrary to what you may have come to believe, all body fat is not bad. You actually do need a certain amount to survive - although that is not generally a problem! Note the chart below. Body fat is crucial in regulating body temperature, insulating organs and is also the main source for supplying energy. If you take away too much body fat, you run the risk of potential life threatening complications.

So, how much body fat is right for your body? According to the American Council on Exercise, the following chart will help you determine what percentage is right for you.  You can see by the chart where your body fat percentage should be.

Monitor Your Body Fat Instead of Weight

When it comes right down to it, monitoring your body fat is more important than monitoring your weight.  It is entirely possible to be losing fat and not pounds.  More than one discouraged beginner has learned this from experience.  We are so programmed to watch the numbers on the scale that sometimes we miss the most important progress of all.  Loss of body fat can change inches on your body before numbers on the scale.

BMI Calculators

Most methods of calculating body fat are not 100% accurate (because of so many uncontrolled variables) - but do offer a good estimate. You can purchase a BMI (body mass index) calculator quite inexpensively.  The most popular ones are hand held devices or bathroom scales. Chart your measurements once a month for best results and track your progress.  Watching your body fat numbers go down is exhilarating and rewarding.  You look better and you feel better!