Body Fat Chart

The concept of body fat chart is based on the total amount of fat that is present in one's body. The body fat chart principally depicts the amount of fat that should be ideally present in one's body. The elements of the body fat chart and the concept of fat deposition in the body have also been explained.

Body Fat Chart

The following is the most commonly followed body fat chart that has been released by the American Council on Exercise. If we compare the following body chart with the body fat charts, that have been made by other councils (medical associations and health ministries), some difference regarding the percentages would be observed. This difference is basically observed due to the fact that factors like average weight of people, daily diet and lifestyle, affects the total fat consumption in people. Based on these factors, on an average, a difference of about 2 to 3% would be found between all body fat charts. Similarly, difference between body fat chart for women and men would also be observed.


This is how a body fat chart ordinarily looks. The percentage that is given is calculated on the basis of the weight of the body. For example, an obese man would have 38% or more amount of fats in his body, on the basis of his weight. Here is a small explanation to the contents of the table. The essential fats are the fats that are required by the body as these fats are deposited on the vital organs of the body such as the liver or in the hips. The basic function of these essential fats is to protect the vital organs from injuries. The second row is the recommended amount of fats that the athletes should have. For the recommended amount of fats that the athletes should have, you may refer to some other body fat chart for athletes. To know more about body fat charts and scales you may read more on body fat scale.

The third row that is titled as fitness is the perfect amount of fat, that any normal person should have. This fat percentage is usually observed in the people who regularly work out. The row titled acceptable is the percentage of fat that is acceptable, and its recommended that you start exercising. Similar is the case with people who are over weight. People who are obese according to the chart should start exercising immediately and should reduce down the fat percentage. You can also refer to different types of charts such as body fat chart for children or body fat chart by age. To know more about body fat percentage, you may also refer to what does your body fat percentage mean?

Body Fat Calculator

The best way to calculate approximate body fat is to use the body fat index calculator that is available on many different websites. Another method is the one that is used by the doctors and diet experts. In this method a light current (which of course does not cause any harm), is passed through the body.

To know about recommended fat content and fat loss you may also refer to:

• Ideal Body Fat Percentage
• Body Fat Monitors

If you want to know how much percentage of fat is present in your body weight, then its advisable that you use a body fat calculator. On the basis of the results your personal physician would recommend to either lose the fat through proper diet and exercises or gain fat through consumption of proper food.