Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total weight that is fat tissue. It includes essential fat (needed for bodily functions) and storage fat (accumulated energy reserves).
For men: 10-20% is healthy, 6-13% is athletic, below 5% is dangerous. For women: 20-30% is healthy, 14-20% is athletic, below 15% can disrupt hormones.
Methods include DEXA scans (most accurate), hydrostatic weighing, BIA scales, calipers, and circumference formulas. Each has different accuracy levels and costs.
No. 'Spot reduction' is a myth. Fat loss occurs throughout the body based on genetics. Overall calorie deficit combined with exercise reduces total body fat.
Body fat percentage directly measures composition, while BMI only uses height/weight. Two people with the same BMI can have very different body fat percentages (e.g., muscular vs. sedentary).
Every 4-6 weeks is sufficient for tracking progress. Daily fluctuations in water retention can skew results. Measure under consistent conditions (same time, hydration level).