Did You Know? The Average Body Fat Percentage in the US is 39.9% for Women and 28.1% for Men

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall average body fat (BF) percentage in the United States is about 39.9% for women and 28.1% for men? That would mean if your BF percentage fell below these averages, you’d technically be considered “below average” as far as your body fat percentage was concerned.

Unfortunately, however, most people in the United States tend to have higher BF percentages than recommended. That said, just because you fall below the average, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in a healthy range. So the question is what’s a healthy body fat percentage, and more importantly, where do you currently stand?

What’s a Healthy Body Fat Percentage?

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a body fat range of 25% to 31% for women or 18% to 24% for men is ideal for the average nonathlete. Where exactly your BF percentage should fall is dependent upon a number of factors including age, health goals, and gender. But in general, it’s best to stay within the above BF ranges.

Research suggests that men with a body fat of 25% or more and women with a body fat of 32% or higher may have a significantly higher risk of related health problems, such as coronary heart disease. A body fat percentage below 14% for women or 6% for men would be considered dangerously low and could also lead to health risks.

How to Determine Body Fat Percentage

The best way to measure your body fat is with a DEXA scan. DEXA scans are considered the gold standard for measuring body fat and no other technique is considered as accurate.

When you get a DEXA scan at Nomad Fit Lab, not only will you get the most accurate representation of your BF percentage, but you will also receive a detailed report that breaks down fat percentages by region in your body. The report also provides a breakdown of fat tissue by weight for each region of your body as well. Our reports will compare your results with previous scans to determine trends and to track your progress over time.

What do you think your body fat percentage is? Do you think you fall within the recommended guidelines or are you closer to the average percentage? Only a DEXA scan will tell! To find out, book a DEXA scan with Nomad Fit Lab today. Simply visit our website and find the location nearest you: https://www.nomadfitlab.com/

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