What is a healthy body fat percentage?

Question

I have seen many reports and recommendations. One said that males should be 8-14%. I saw another one that said 11-18% is acceptable for males. The U.S. nat'll average is 14-18%.

I am 18 years old and weigh 180.2 lbs at 6 ft 1 in tall. I have a total of about 34 lbs of fat, which puts me at 18.6% body fat - that would make me overweight. I'm pretty healthy. I eat a healthy, balanced diet every day and exercise moderately. I don't count calories or anything like that; I just eat well-portioned healthy foods at regular intervals throughout the day (though I do eat junk food every now and then within reason).

So here's the question:

Is my body fat percentage too high? If so, how much should I loose? If I'm pretty healthy as it is, does it really matter that I have a body fat percentage a few percent overweight? What percent truely is unhealthy?

Answer 1

At 6'1" and 180 lbs. I'm guessing you are not overweight.  My husband is 5'10" and 225.  He is solid muscle with 16% body fat.  We just had those percentages checked at the YMCA where we are members.  We were told that the body fat index is based on age anyway not necessarily size.  Go figure.  Moderation is the key to everything in life, right?

Answer 2

You seem just fine. I was nearly identical when I graduated from highschool and I considered myself too thin. So I started lifting weights and I'm up to 210, 6'2". I would recomend you do the same. I never really look at the national averages because they try to classify people in too broad of a spectrum. Everyone is different and you have to just do whats right for you.

If you look at yourself and think you weigh too much (not having a 6pack doesn't count) then start running and upping your cardio. If you're commited to having a better body I'd say pick up the ol' free weights and get to it. its worth it.

Answer 3

Males: 9%-21%

Females: 17%-29%

Your body fat percentage is 'average'. For a male, anything below 17% would be 'lean' and anything below 12% would be 'athletic'.

Hope this helps.