Which method of calculating body fat is the most accurate?
The human body naturally stores energy in fat. However, having a high body fat percentage can affect the self-confidence of most people and, more importantly, can increase one’s risk of illness and disease. [1] With that, many people ask: how is body fat percentage calculated?
There are various ways to measure body fat, such as through skin callipers and underwater weighing. [2] The dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) machine is one of the most accurate ways to measure the amount of fat stored in a body. [3]
However, it’s not enough to simply know your body fat percentage; consulting a doctor will give you answers to queries such as ‘why is my body fat percentage so high?’ or ‘how to reduce body fat percentage?’ When you consult a Mosh health practitioner about the ideal weight loss plan for you, they will consider all factors that affect your weight, such as your body fat percentage, medical history, and genetics.
After a careful assessment, your health practitioner will advise you on ways to improve your chances of achieving your desired results. Your health practitioner may recommend weight loss programs tailored to your unique needs and goals if needed. You can accept or reject your health practitioner’s proposed solution as you like.
What factors affect body fat percentage reading?
Body fat percentage is the total amount of fat you have stored in your body, including both essential fat – the amount of fat your body needs to perform daily functions – and excess fats. Your body fat percentage is influenced by various factors, including age, fitness level, and lifestyle. [4] Besides knowing your body fat percentage, it is also vital to know how it is spread across your body.
Excess fat in some women, for example, is concentrated on the waist, while fat is distributed more evenly into different body parts in some people. Considering your body profile in your weight loss equation can help narrow down the most suitable weight loss solutions for you.
Getting started with a Mosh weight loss plan is as easy, you can take the weight loss quiz on our platform instead or consult a Mosh health practitioner to address your weight loss concerns.
What body fat percentage is healthy for men and women?
Body fat varies depending on sex and age, among many other factors, but standards can be used to tell whether a person has a healthy average body fat percentage.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there are healthy body fat percentages based on your age. For people aged 20 to 39, women should aim for 21% to 32% of body fat. Men should have 8% to 19%. For people 40 to 59, women should fall between 23% to 33% and men should fall around 11% to 21%. If you’re aged 60 to 79, women should have 24% to 35% body fat and men should have 13% to 24%. [5]
Your Mosh doctor can create a bespoke weight loss plan if it is the ideal solution for your situation. Mosh weight loss plans come with weekly meal plan guides and supplement weight loss shakes that can help increase your chances of getting the results you want. The inclusions of your weight loss plan will be delivered discreetly to your doorstep, and you may avail of our subscription service to replenish them automatically as needed as well.
As a platform dedicated to women’s health, Mosh offers support for weight loss, ant-aging, skincare, and more. We also work with highly trained mental health therapists, whom you may consult at any time if you have mental health concerns. If you have any questions regarding mental health medications or other treatment plans, feel free to consult with a Mosh health practitioner at your most preferred schedule.
If you have questions aside from ‘how is body fat percentage calculated?’ Mosh health practitioners will happily answer them for you. Our health practitioners are right here to help you when you’re ready.