1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your total body weight. It's a more accurate indicator of fitness than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI-based formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
• \( age\_factor \) — 1.20 for both genders
• \( adjustment \) — Varies by gender and age

Adjustment Values:

• Men ≤40 years: 10.8
• Men >40 years: 12.0
• Women ≤40 years: 19.0
• Women >40 years: 21.0

3. Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight management goals. High body fat is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMI (calculate it first if needed), age in years, and select your gender. For accurate results, measure your BMI under consistent conditions (same time of day, hydration level).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are healthy body fat percentage ranges?
A: For men: 6-24% (athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%). For women: 16-30% (athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, average 25-30%).

Q2: How accurate is this BMI-based method?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but may be ±3-5% from more accurate methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

Q3: When should I measure my body fat?
A: Morning before eating/drinking is ideal. Avoid measuring after exercise or when dehydrated.

Q4: Why does age affect body fat percentage?
A: Metabolism slows with age, and muscle mass tends to decrease, leading to higher body fat percentages even at similar weights.

Q5: Should athletes use different ranges?
A: Yes, athletes typically have lower body fat percentages due to higher muscle mass. Sport-specific norms may apply.