1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. It is a more accurate indicator of health than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the NHS body fat percentage formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared)
• \( Age \) — Age in years
• \( Sex \) — 0 for male, 1 for female

Explanation: This formula estimates body fat percentage based on BMI, age, and gender, providing a quick assessment without specialized equipment.

3. Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is important for assessing health risks associated with obesity, tracking fitness progress, and developing appropriate nutrition and exercise plans.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMI value (calculate it first if needed), age in years, and select your gender. All values must be valid (BMI > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This formula provides a reasonable estimate but may not be as accurate as methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentage ranges?
A: For men: 8-19% (athletes), 20-25% (acceptable), >25% (obese). For women: 21-33% (athletes), 34-39% (acceptable), >39% (obese).

Q3: Why does the formula use different values for men and women?
A: Women naturally have higher essential body fat percentages due to physiological differences including reproductive functions.

Q4: How often should I measure my body fat percentage?
A: For most people, measuring every 4-8 weeks is sufficient to track changes without becoming obsessive.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for children?
A: No, this formula is designed for adults. Children and adolescents have different body composition standards.