Body Fat Percentage - ARGH!?
I'm 16 years old, female, 5'2 and was 93 lbs last time I checked (a while ago, but i don't think I've gained any weight). My measurements are 30-25-32. I eat a lot, but I have a naturally tiny frame. I also do no exercise, so I am not in the least bit toned. I've taken my body fat percentage FIVE times, and each time it was 32%!! Everywhere I've looked online has told me that this is OBESE!! I mean I know I'm not fit or particularly healthy, but OBESE??!! i DO NOT have an eating disorder, and I know that I'm really skinny, so basically my question is: WTF is up with my body fat percentage?!!! From Wikipedia: http://i30.tinypic.com/o8whn6.jpg Please help! Thanks in advance! x P.S. Please don't b.itch about how skinny I am. I eat loads and never gain, meaning I am naturally this way. I am working on it and I try to eat as much as possible, but don't make rude comments because I've always been tiny. It runs in the family and I can't help it.
Public Comments
- Whatever you are using to measure your body fat is wrong. Im the same height as you, weigh more and my body fat % is 23.9!!
- You are doing it wrong. Make sure that you are only grabbing fat and make sure the direction of the fold is correct ( i.e. Horizontal or vertical). Here is a site to give you an idea of how to do it. http://www.gain-weight-muscle-fast.com/skinfold-measurements.html
- http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/training/body_fat/body_fat_percentage.html Please try this link, it will give you a more accurate idea. You are not what you think. I'm sure you will prefer the result.
- I doubt your body fat % is that high at such a low weight as you would have to have virtually no bone/muscle mass. My guess is the calculator you used was messed up.....anyway online body fat calculators can't accurately assess your body fat. You need to go to a personal trainer or buy some body fat callipers. Here is a body fat percentage chart for females: 10%-12% Essential Fat 13%-17% Athletes/Body Builders 18%-24% Fit/Lean 25%-28% Average 29%-32% Overfat 33%-35% Obese So you want to be between 18% and 28% to be healthy. But let me just say if your body fat percentage did turn out to be that high, your problem is not too much fat but too little muscle mass which is pushing up your body fat %. You would need to try and build muscle by doing strength training and eating a high protein diet.
