What Is Body Fat?

Body fat is the percentage of your body that is not bone, water, muscles or organs. Therefore, your body fat is simply the percentage of fat your body contains. There are two types of body fat, essential body fat and storage fat.

Storage fat collects primarily under the skin and is called subcutaneous fat. Most storage fat finds it way around the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks.

The location of fat storage is also dependent on gender. The hormones testosterone and estrogen also determine where fat is deposited in the body.

Why do we need body fat?

Body fat in itself is not dangerous, and we all need some amount of fat to be healthy. Fat is needed for the following functions:

· Cushions and protects our internal organs

· Helps in the absorption of some vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E

· Helps promote normal growth and development

· Necessary for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system

· Provides energy for us to function

· Provides some amount of body heat

The American Council on Exercise outlines the percentage of body fat needed for health and at what level body fat becomes an obesity issue. The list shows how much fat males need as against females. For instance, a female essential body fat ratio is between ten to twelve percent, males are a low two to four percent. Acceptable levels of body fat for males and females are eighteen to twenty-five percent and twenty-five to thirty-one, respectively. This however, also depends on age as older females may need a little more body fat than younger ones.

An essential fat refers to the fat found in our bone marrow, organs and muscles. As the name indicates this type of fat is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the body. Females need more because some body parts are made up of fat, like the breasts, hips and thighs.

Storage fat provides energy and is kept by the body as a reserve. This type of body fat is the fat that can and does lead to obesity.

Why do some people have more than others?

Some people are genetically predisposed to having a higher percentage of body fat than others. No amount of dieting and exercise will change that; however, eating properly and exercising will improve your health even if you never become as lean as you wish.

For most of us however, the percentage body fat we have is directly related to how much fat, sugars and carbohydrates we eat and our activity level. Sedentary people who consume a lot of fats and sweets will generally have a higher percentage of body fat than someone of the same age and gender that eats right and exercises.

To help keep your body fat in the percentage range for your height, age and gender you need to have a sensible diet and be active. The secret is to keep a balance between the amount of calories you consume and the amount you burn from daily activities and exercise.

By Gareth Barrow