1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula specifically developed for women:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared)
• \( Age \) — Age in years

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

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is important for assessing health risks, tracking fitness progress, and maintaining optimal body composition. High body fat percentage is associated with increased risk of various health conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: While this formula provides a reasonable estimate, it's less accurate than methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. It serves as a good screening tool.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentages for women?
A: For women, essential fat is 10-13%, athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, acceptable 25-31%, and obese is 32%+.

Q3: Why is this formula specific to women?
A: Women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men due to physiological differences, including reproductive functions.

Q4: Can I use this calculator if I'm pregnant?
A: No, this calculator is not suitable for pregnant women as pregnancy significantly alters body composition.

Q5: How often should I measure my body fat percentage?
A: For tracking purposes, monthly measurements are sufficient as daily fluctuations are normal and longer periods show meaningful trends.