Measuring Body Fat

Continued...

How important is all this?

Because the scale cannot differentiate between lean and fat pounds, a question sometimes arises as to whether a person is truly "overweight." For example, a woman with a naturally strong, muscular body might decide she's too heavy, when in fact the weight she's objecting to is due mostly to lean body mass, rather than fat.

In her case, trying to lose weight might actually have adverse health effects. On the other hand, someone who feels comfortable with her weight may be surprised to learn her body-fat percentage is high enough to pose a health risk (over 32-percent body fat is classified as obesity).

When body-fat percentage is monitored as part of a weight-loss program, measurements should be taken no more frequently than once every four to six weeks. They should be taken in exactly the same situation, by the same trained observer; to ensure consistent results.

Body-fat percentage should be interpreted as part of your overall health profile, in conjunction with such risk factors as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. It should never be used as a universal standard of fitness.

Coaches and trainers shouldn't set a specific figure as a team goal - stating, for instance, that athletes must have a body-fat percentage of no more than 17 percent to get their uniforms. A much better single indicator of overall fitness would be how quickly you can run a mile, or how many sit-ups you can do in one minute.

Remember: The level of body fat considered healthy for females is stated as a range of 20 to 27 percent. Each of us is genetically programmed to be a certain body type; it is natural for some bodies to carry more fat than others.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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