12
Standard for Women
(Source: University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, USA)
Rating
Age
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
Low
<19
<20
<21
<22
<23
Optimal
20-28
21-29
22-30
23-31
24-32
Moderate
29-31
30-32
31-33
32-33
33-35
High
> 31
>32
>33
>34
>35
1. Why is it important to monitor percentage body fat (%BF)?
The absolute weight traditionally determines whether or not a person is obese. Weight
change in itself does not indicate whether it was the weight of body fat or muscle that
had changed. In weight management, it is desirable that muscle mass be maintained
while body fat is lost. Thus, monitoring the percentage of fat in the body is an important
step toward successful weight management and body health.
The optimal %BF of an individual varies according to age and gender.
The table as follows may be used as a guide:
EDUCATION INFORMATION
Before using the scale, you should know ...
Standard for Men
(Source: University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, USA)
Rating
Age
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
Low
<13
<14
<16
<17
<18
Optimal
14-20
15-21
17-23
18-24
19-25
Moderate
21-23
22-24
24-26
25-27
26-28
High
> 23
>24
>26
>27
>28
