As you know, the percentage of fat in the body increases with age, but the number of muscles decreases. This indicator is the most accurate determinant of the level of development of the body. Because if you lose only fat, and not muscle mass, then everything is normal.
As a rule, this indicator depends on the gender and the age category of the person. Due to the fact that the woman's body produces estrogen, the fat in it will be 5% higher than in the male. Approximate percentage of fat in the body of a man is 15-17 units. As for the beautiful half of the population, they have a normal rate of 23-24%.
Of course, with age, this indicator increases. For example, a middle-aged man who sits more than he moves will have about 25% of his body, or even more. This level is the boundary of obesity, while in women this threshold is determined by 30%.
The fat percentage in the body can not have a zero value, because a certain amount of this substance is necessary for its normal functioning, in particular for thermal insulation, maintenance of energy reserves, and protection of internal organs.
The percentage of body fat in women is 7-10%, and for men - 3-5%.It should be noted that such low indicators also constitute a threat to health. This is especially dangerous for the beautiful half of the population, because in such a situation, problems with the synthesis of estrogen may develop, menstrual cycle failures and reproductive disorders occur. In addition, the density of bones decreases, which can cause the development of osteoporosis.
How to know the percentage of body fat? To this end, several techniques have been developed, one of the most accurate among which is the evaluation of body composition, waist-hip ratio. You can also measure the skin fold. The most accurate is the definition of this indicator using computed tomography. The device allows you to clearly trace fat and non-fat tissue. Because the procedure is expensive, its application is not widespread. In order to measure the percentage of fat in the body at home, you can buy a special device, outwardly similar to the floor scales. The apparatus is based on bioelectric resistance. A person becomes barefooted on the surface, after which several indicators are displayed on the scoreboard: muscle mass, fat mass, amount of fluid in the body. However, when using this device, there is one inaccuracy that relates to determining the mass of fat in the trunk region.
There are several techniques that can determine its amount in the body at home:
1. The ratio of the waist and hips. To do this, take a meter tape and conduct several measurements in the area of these areas. When the ratio increases, it means that the person is getting fat. If the process is reversed, it decreases. In order to measure, it is necessary to stand up smoothly, then measure the waist circumference above the navel. Then the hip girth should be determined by measuring them at the widest point. Then the resulting waist circumference is divided by the circumference of the thighs. When the result is greater than 0.8, then you will need long training to lose weight and drive fat.
2. The percentage of body fat can be determined by skin tightening. To do this, you need to grab her thumb and index finger on the shoulder( behind), slightly above the armpit, and also in the abdomen and thighs. Then you should release the crease, without diluting the fingers, to measure the distance between them. If the distance obtained is more than 2.5 cm, this indicates the presence of excess fat in the body.