Body Fat Percentages

Body fat percentage is generally accepted as a better gauge of fitness than weight. The method of calculating body fat from body measurements used in the HealthKeeper is the fourth most accurate method. Hydrostatic testing underwater is first. Electrical testing of body mass resistance is second and body fat measurement by caliper is third. Although it is not the most accurate, if you record your measurements carefully and consistently, you will have a good relative gauge of how much body fat you are gaining or losing. To our knowledge, the HealthKeeper software is the first program to offer this feature.

When in ideal shape, body fat will make up about 15% - 18% of a male's body weight and 18% - 22% of a female's. The remainder of the body's weight is composed of water (55%-60%), muscle and other lean tissue (10%-20%), and bone and minerals (6%-8%). In other words, a 150-pound woman who is within or close to her ideal body fat composition range at 22% will have approximately 33 pounds of fat, 86 pounds of weight composed primarily of water, 20 pounds of muscle and other lean tissue, and 11 pounds of bone and mineral weight. This total then makes up her total weight of 150 lbs.

Now take the example of another woman who weights 150 pounds, but has 30% fat on her body. She would have 45 pounds of fat on her body, and the rest of her weight would be divided among muscle, bone and water. Her non fat body composition might look like this, 79 pounds of water (53%), 17 pounds of muscle (12%), and 9 pounds of bone and minerals (6%). Both women weight 150 lbs. and are about the same height, but one looks much different because she has less body fat.

For additional information on the best ways to accurately measure your diet’s progress see the chapter “The Truth about Weighing and Scales” in the ebook “Exercising for Maximum Fat Loss.” This ebook is found in the registered user section of our website at www.health-runr.com.

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Diet software - Calorie counter - Diabetes diet - Diabetic diet - Diet Program - Diet Plan - Weight Loss Diet - Diet Fitness - Healthy Diet - Weight Loss Program