Weight alone is not a clear indicator of
good health because it does not distinguish between pounds that come
from body fat and those that come from lean body mass or muscle.
Carrying too much fat is called obesity, and puts a person at risk for
many serious medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and
even certain forms of cancer. In fact obesity contributes to at least
half the chronic diseases in western society. Many
people desire a "rating system" for assessing their
current level of body fat. The following table provides a
meaningful rating system.
MALE
|
| Age | EXCELLENT | GOOD | FAIR | POOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-24 | 18.9% | 22.1% | 25.0% | 29.6% |
| 25-29 | 18.9% | 22.0% | 25.4% | 29.8% |
| 30-34 | 19.7% | 22.7% | 26.4% | 30.5% |
| 35-39 | 21.0% | 24.0% | 27.7% | 31.5% |
| 40-44 | 22.6% | 25.6% | 29.3% | 32.8% |
| 45-49 | 24.3% | 27.3% | 30.9% | 34.1% |
| 50-54 | 26.6% | 29.7% | 33.1% | 36.2% |
| 55-59 | 27.4% | 30.7% | 34.0% | 37.3% |
| 60+ | 27.6% | 31.0% | 34.4% | 38.0% |
NOT ALL POUNDS ARE THE SAME
Overweight means an excess of total body weight based on population averages for heights and body frame size. Athletes and very muscular people may be overweight, but that does not mean they are over fat. Obesity means an excess of body fat regardless of weight. Excess body fat can increase the risk of the following
CORONARY HEART DISEASE
- STROKE
- ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
- DIABETES
- SEVERAL FORMS OF CANCER
Medical professionals have determined that a healthy range of body fat is 14%-20% for men, and 17%-24% for women. But until recently, accurate methods for measuring and monitoring body fat have not been available to the average person. Note: For your own body fat range consult your physician.
