What is the ideal percentage of body fat for me?
Asked by okumra on Nov 13, 2009
in Weight Loss
I am a woman, age 39 years, 158 cm (5'2") and 50 kg (110 lb). I checked my body fat on different scales, the one that I use at the moment shows 22% to 26% depending on the time of day. I still feel not slim, especially around my waist and bottom. What is my ideal body fat percentage and where can I get a correct measurement?
Answer
Your percent body fat - as well as your weight for height - is ideal. For females, the healthy range for body fat percentage is:
- 20-40 yrs: 21-33%
- 41-60 yrs: 23-35%
- 61-79 yrs: 24-36%
There are several ways to measure total body fat percentage. The most accurate way is a DEXA scan; body fat scales are not as accurate. The scales have a 4% margin of error, which means if your body fat measures 20%, it could really be as low as 16% or as high as 24%. The readings change depending on hydration levels, food intake, skin temperature, and other factors. For greatest accuracy, use the body fat scale first thing in the morning before breakfast, but after drinking a glass of water. Because body composition changes slowly, there is no need to measure it more than once a month.
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