What is a normal body fat percentage?

im a 12 year old girl, im not so much focused on losing weight, just being healthy, i want ot live a long life and i care deeply for my health. are there any tips for getting my body fat down naturally, none of this slim fast quick fix, i dont care if it takes long i just want it to work and be healthy for my body. are there any excercizes i can do, any good foods. i read somewhere that drinking hot water "melts your fat" is this true. I am 12 years, 10 months old 5 ft. 8 3/4 inches tall 143 pounds (slightly embarassed) bust: 36 waist: 31 hips: 36 any other measurements that are needed id be glad to include

Public Comments

1. Well you sound like a big girl for your age (tall) so its going to be easier to spread the fat out dont worry about percentages ,worry about what looks good for you ,just cut a lot of fat and coke (sugars)out of the diet and eat your veggies . Exercise lots of walking or cycling.
2. Your physician can provide you with the American Academy of Pediatrics information for someone your age, height, and weight. In general, you want to have a BMI under 25, but over 18 for normal development. As for keeping your weight under control, eat at least 1600 cals/day of healthful foods (no junk/pop/etc...), and workout aerobically at least 5 days/week. As for hot water, no go. It doesn't melt fat. It just makes it less likely you'll eat as much at that moment.
3. Hi, i think that a normal body fat percentage is like 16% or something round there =]
4. For a girl of 12 years, up to around 26% body fat is healthy. Your weight is normal, after all you are extremely tall for your age. But no, drinking hot water does not melt your fat.