Body fat percentage is a key indicator of overall health, reflecting the proportion of fat relative to lean tissue in the body. While a higher percentage can signal increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, a lower percentage is often associated with better endurance, strength, and metabolic efficiency.
Understanding your body composition helps you tailor nutrition and training programs to achieve specific health or performance goals. Unlike weight alone, body fat percentage distinguishes between muscle, bone, and fat, providing a clearer picture of whether weight changes are due to fat loss or muscle gain.
The US Navy method estimates body fat using simple circumference measurements and height, offering a practical alternative to laboratory methods. It applies logarithmic equations that have been validated across diverse populations.
neck = neck circumference (cm)
hip = hip circumference (cm, women)
height = height (cm)
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Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
