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INFORMATION ON BODY COMPOSITION
BODY FAT
Body fat serves a vital role in storing energy and protecting internal organs. We carry two types of fat in
our bodies: 1) essential fat which is stored in small amounts to protect the body and 2) stored fat which is
stocked for energy during physical activity. While too much body fat may be unhealthy, having too little
fat can be just as unhealthy. Also, the distribution of body fat in men and women is different, so the basis
for classifying the body fat percentage is different between the genders.
Interpreting the Body Fat Percentage Result
The table below is based on research by Gallagher et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72,
Sept. 2000, and classified into four levels by Omron Healthcare.
Gender
Age
– (Low)
0 (Normal)
+ (High)
++ (Very High)
Female
20-39
< 21.0%
21.0 - 32.9%
33.0 - 38.9%
39.0%
40-59
< 23.0%
23.0 - 33.9%
34.0 - 39.9%
40.0%
60-80
< 24.0%
24.0 - 35.9%
36.0 - 41.9%
42.0%
Male
20-39
< 8.0%
8.0 - 19.9%
20.0 - 24.9%
25.0%
40-59
< 11.0%
11.0 - 21.9%
22.0 - 27.9%
28.0%
60-80
< 13.0%
13.0 - 24.9%
25.0 - 29.9%
30.0%
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HBF-206IT-Z_B_M.fm Page 7 Monday, February 22, 2010 4:24 PM
