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Evaluating the Fat
By Cindy | July 10, 2007
Even though people emphasize the number on the scale, it is not the most important number in measuring body’s composition. The scale is easy to use. It’s simple to say, “I weigh 173 pounds.” What does that mean though? Body composition is the measurement of the water, muscle, bones, blood and fat in your body. Sports, Science and Medicine defines body composition as the relative amounts of different components in the body. Sports scientists often divide the body into two main components: fat-free mass (consisting of all the body tissue which is not fat) and fat mass (usually expressed as the percentage of the total body mass composed of fat). Because weight is easy to measure, it has become an important number to focus on when a person wants to “lose weight.” The emphasis needs to be on a specific type of weight: Fat, and not all fat!
Our bodies need fat to function. Just as an excessive amount of fat is unhealthy to the body, depriving the body of fat will result in serious medical problems as well. The location of the fat is also important. This synopsis from Sparkpeople makes a great point about fat deposits.
Considerations Related to Body Composition
Although two people can have the same body fat percentage, that doesn’t mean they face the same health risks. Where body fat is located can place a person at far greater risk for fat-related health conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and even certain types of cancers.
Fat around the abdomen may present the greatest risk for health problems. Abdominal fat is most common in males and is associated with increased risks for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure. In contrast, fat around the hips and thighs is most common in females and seems relatively harmless with respect to these health problems.
It is important for good health and well-being to not only know your body fat percentage, but to pay attention to where that fat is located.
The American Council on Exercise provides a chart with body fat percent guidelines:
Classification Women (% Fat) Men (% Fat)
Essential Fat 10-12 percent 2-4 percent
Athletes 14-20 percent 6-13 percent
Fitness 21-24 percent 14-17 percent
Acceptable 25-31 percent 18-25 percent
Obese 32% plus 25% plus
Knowing your body fat percentage can also help you determine if your weight loss goals are realistic. Remember, weight loss doesn’t always mean fat loss.
Don’t obsess with the scale. Watch your composition. Are inches disappearing? Check the BCA measurement. Be realistic on setting goals to reflect a healthy fat percentage for the body.
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Topics: Health Knowledge |
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