Typical and ideal body fat percentages for young women vary. Usually overweight and obese women have a body fat percentage that's higher than recommended. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 64 percent of U.S. women are either overweight or obese, and the American Dietetic Association reports that 61 percent of adults in the U.S. have excess body fat. However, too little body fat in women may also cause health problems.
MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus is a service of the National Institutes of Health and offers reliable medical and health information. According to this source, women should have a body fat percentage of 20 to 21 percent, body fats greater than 30 percent in women are considered obese and the average U.S. woman has a body fat percentage between 22 and 25 percent.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise, also provides body fat recommendations for young women. According to ACE, essential body fat for women is at least 10 to 13 percent, fit women and women athletes have body fat percentages between 14 percent and 24 percent, average adult women have body fat percentages between 25 and 31 percent and body fats higher than 31 percent are classified as obese.
Body Mass Index
According to the American Dietetic Association, your body mass index is a good indicator of the amount of body fat you have. BMIs below 18.5 are considered underweight, BMIs 18.5 to 24.9 are normal, BMIs of 25 to 29.9 are overweight and BMIs of 30 or higher are considered obese. BMI guidelines apply to both women and men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides an adult BMI calculator to help you determine your body mass index and find out if your body fat is estimated to be in a normal range.
Waist Circumference
The circumference of your waist is a good indicator of the amount of abdominal fat you have, and is an effective assessment tool if your BMI is less than 35. Excess abdominal fat increases your risk for developing certain obesity-related health conditions. For women, waist circumferences greater than 35 inches are considered increased health risks. Normal, healthy waist circumferences for adult women are 35 inches or less. To measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your waist just under your belly button.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010; 2010
- American Dietetic Association; Position of the American Dietetic Association; Weight Management; August 2002
- MedlinePlus; Weight Management; November 2009
- American Council on Exercise; What Are the Guidelines for Percentage of Body Fat Loss?; Natalie Digate Muth
- American Dietetic Association: Understanding Body Mass Index
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