Using the WeightWare™ Body Fat Calculator
You can use this tool to easily estimate your Body Fat Percentage.
It uses formulas developed by the US Department of Defense, and
only requires a few simple body measurements. Based on the Defense Department's research,
these body fat estimates should be reasonably accurate for most adults
(they use these same estimates as part of their physical fitness standards testing).
WeightWare keeps track of your body fat percentage in your Health records, allowing you
to monitor changes in your body fat percentage over time.
You can then use the WeightWare
graphs to visualize how your body composition is changing over time (see sample graph below).
To use the Body Fat Calculator, simply select the correct tab (Male or Female) and
fill in the required fields. Your
body fat percentage will automatically be estimated for you.
Here is what several authorities recommend for a healthy body fat percentage:
American Dietetic Association:
| Men |
15 - 18% |
| Women |
20 - 25% |
| Athletic Men |
5 - 12% |
| Athletic Women |
10 - 20% |
Dr. C. Everett Koop:
| Men 18-39 years old |
8 - 19% |
| Women 18-39 |
21 - 32% |
| Men 40-59 |
11 - 21% |
| Women 40-59 |
23 - 33% |
| Men 60-79 |
13 - 24% |
| Women 60-79 |
24 - 35% |
The body fat graph shows your body fat changes over time, along with
the average for the selected time period:
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