The body fat percentage is the percentage of body fat in relation to total weight and is shown generally as a percentage (%).
Fats are generally water insoluble, organic compounds soluble in organic solvents. They are essential for a healthy body. Body fat protects organs, cushions joints, controls temperature, stores vitamins and acts as an energy store for the body.
To support the individual efforts of preventive behaviour it is possible to set Goal values for this parameter.
Too much body fat can lead to adverse effects in terms of health, i.e. blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes! Obesity, i.e. values outside the healthy body fat range lead to a significantly higher risk of health problems associated with obesity.
Guideline values for healthy body fat ranges have been calculated during clinical studies ([Gallgaher et al. 2000], [Jebb et al. 2004]). These are gender and age-specific. Additionally it was found that there are regional differences [Sakamoto et al. 2003], [Miyama et al. 2004]. Therefore we have to choose another analysis of the body fat in the Asian region. The general recommendations are shown in the table below:
| Healthy body fat percentages | Healthy body fat percentages (Asian Judgement) |
|
| Women | Approx. 21% to 36% | Approx. 21% to 37% |
| Girls (7 – 17 Years) | Approx. 15% to 30% | Approx. 8% to 36% |
| Men | Approx. 8% to 25% | Approx. 11% to 25% |
| Boys (7 – 17 Years) | Approx. 9% to 23% | Approx. 7% to 26% |
In the Overview of ranges used in the GMON the information is broken down in detail for women, men, children and young people.
Fats are important carriers of flavour in many foodstuffs. This is also a reason why people like eating them. However, if too much fat is consumed from food, i.e. more than the body's energy requirements, it will be stored in the body in greater quantities as visceral fat. This active fat can irritate all metabolic activities and consequently the risk presented by body fat increases. However, an extremely low body fat percentage (for non-exercising adults under 10%) conceals health risks – however, in adults with an athletic physique values under 5% should be monitored. In terms of fat consumption, a distinction is made between fats containing saturated fatty acids and mono and poly unsaturated fats. Nutritional scientists recommend that the consumption of saturated fat should not exceed 33% of the total fat consumed, the largest percentage should be from mono or polyunsaturated fats.
In terms of the adsorption of body fat a distinction is made between white and brown fatty tissue.
Overview of ranges used in the GMON
Overview of Asian ranges used in the GMON
Health risk presented by body fat