07 September 2024

What is a healthy body fat percentage as you age?

 

According to the World Health Organization, men ages 40 to 59 should aim for 11% to 21% body fat, while for men ages 60 to 79, the range is 13% to 24%. 

However, the "right" weight and fat percent for an individual depend upon many factors including:

General health.

A very low percentage of body fat and low body weight in someone not exercising regularly can indicate a medical problem.

Distribution of body fat.

Even if your weight is close to the normal range, a large waist size may mean you have an unhealthy amount of belly fat (visceral fat). Higher amounts of belly fat increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Generally, men should strive for a waist size of no more than 36 inches. For men under six feet tall, waist size should be less than one-half of the height.

Another way to evaluate waist size is to find the ratio of waist size to hip size.

Use a measuring tape to find your waist size just above your belly button. Then measure the size of your hips around the widest part of your buttocks. Divide the waist size by the hip size. The goal waist-to-hip ratio for men is no more than 0.9.

Both numerical waist size and waist-to-hip ratio offer a window into whether you are carrying too much dangerous visceral fat.

Metabolism.

How an individual's body handles excess calories significantly affects whether those calories get deposited in fat or turn into energy used for physical activity and body heat.

Amount, type and intensity of physical activity.

You not only burn calories during exercise but also continue to burn calories afterward as muscles replenish their energy stores. Also, doing regular strength training can add a bit of muscle weight that is healthy.


No comments:

Post a Comment