As is known, the percentage of body fat increases with age, but the amount of muscle decreases.This indicator is the most accurate determinant of the level of development of the organism.Because if you lose only fat, not muscle, then everything is OK.
As a rule, this figure depends on the sex and age group person.Due to the fact that the woman's body produces estrogen fat component therein is 5% higher than in the male.The approximate percentage of body fat is equal to men 15-17 units.As for the beautiful half of the population, they have a normal figure of 23-24%.
course, with age, this figure rises.For example, a middle-aged man who is more sitting than moving in your body will have about 25%, or even more.This level is the boundary of obesity, whereas in women, this threshold is determined by 30%.
percentage of fat in the body can not have a zero component because a certain amount of this substance is necessary for its normal functioning, in particular for thermal insulation, maintenance of energy reserves and protect internal organs.
percentage of body fat in women is 7-10%, while for men - 3-5%.Note that such low levels also constitute a threat to health.This is especially dangerous for the beautiful half of the population, because in such a situation may develop problems with the synthesis of estrogen, manifest failures of the menstrual cycle and reproductive disorders.In addition, decreased bone density, which can cause osteoporosis.
How do you know the percentage of fat in the body?To this end, it developed several methods, one of the finest of which is the assessment of body composition, the ratio of waist and hips.It is also possible to measure skinfold.The most accurate definition of this indicator is considered by computed tomography.The device allows to precisely track the fat and nonfat tissue.Since the procedure is expensive, its use is not widespread.In order to measure body fat percentage at home, you can buy a special device that looks similar to the bathroom scales.Work device based on bioelectrical impedance.Man becomes his bare feet to the surface, after which the score is displayed several indicators: muscle mass, fat mass, the amount of fluid in the body.However, when using this device there is an inaccuracy which relates to determining the mass of fat in the body.
There are several techniques that can determine its quantity in the body in the home:
1. The ratio of waist and hips.To do this, take a meter tape and spend a few measurements in the vicinity of these areas.When the ratio increases, it means that a person fullness.If, however, the reverse process, it decreases.In order to conduct measurements, it is necessary to stand up straight, and then measure the waistline above the navel.Then hip ratio must be determined by measuring them at the widest point.The resulting waist circumference divided by hip circumference.When the result is greater than 0.8, then you have a long workout to lose weight and to drive away the fat.
2. The percentage of fat in the body can be determined by pinching the skin.To do this, grab her thumb and index finger on her shoulder (back), slightly above the armpit, as well as in the area of the abdomen and thighs.Then release the crease should not spreading at the same fingers, measure the distance between them.If the resulting distance turned out more than 2.5 cm, it indicates the presence of excess fat in the body.