Body fat is the amount of total fat we have on our bodies. It is important to remember that everyone needs to maintain a certain amount of "healthy" fat in order to optimize health. Total body fat exists in two storage sites - one being Essential fat, the other is Storage fat. Essential fat is the fat stored in the marrow of bones, and in the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, intestines, muscle, brain, and spinal cord. It is required for normal physiological functioning (i.e. life). Storage fat is the fat that accumulates in fatty tissue. This "nutritional reserve" includes fatty tissue that protects organs and the fat located directly under the skin. The proportion of storage fat is very similar in males and females (average 12 percent in men and 15 percent in women); the amount of essential fat is approximately four times higher in women. This is likely needed for child-bearing and hormone related functions.
A general guide for the percentage of body fat in men and women based on category would be:
o Essential fat (percentage) - 2 to 5 for men, 9 to 12 for women
o Bodybuilder - 3 to 8 for men, 8 to 12 for women
o Athletic Groups - 5 to 13 for men, 10 to 15 for women
o Optimal Health and Fitness - 10 to 18 for men, 14 to 18 for women
o Average body fat - 11 to 18 for men, 21 to 28 for women
o Strongly consider reducing body (fat percentage) - over 20 for men, over 26 for women
o Essential fat (percentage) - 2 to 5 for men, 9 to 12 for women
o Bodybuilder - 3 to 8 for men, 8 to 12 for women
o Athletic Groups - 5 to 13 for men, 10 to 15 for women
o Optimal Health and Fitness - 10 to 18 for men, 14 to 18 for women
o Average body fat - 11 to 18 for men, 21 to 28 for women
o Strongly consider reducing body (fat percentage) - over 20 for men, over 26 for women
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