1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your total body weight. It's a more accurate indicator of fitness than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the U.S. Navy body fat formula for women:

Where:

• \( waist \) — Waist circumference at narrowest point (cm)
• \( hip \) — Hip circumference at widest point (cm)
• \( neck \) — Neck circumference below larynx (cm)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)

Explanation: The formula uses logarithmic transformations of body measurements to estimate body fat percentage based on U.S. Navy research.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight loss or muscle gain goals. Healthy ranges differ by age and gender.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure:

• Waist at narrowest point (exhale normally)
• Hips at widest point
• Neck below the larynx
• Height without shoes

All measurements should be in centimeters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3%) for most people but may be less accurate for athletes or those with very high/low body fat.

Q2: What's a healthy body fat percentage for women?
A: Generally: Essential fat 10-13%, Athletes 14-20%, Fitness 21-24%, Average 25-31%, Obese 32%+ (varies by age).

Q3: When should measurements be taken?
A: Morning before eating/drinking, before exercise, and consistently at the same time of day for tracking.

Q4: Are there limitations to this method?
A: Less accurate for pregnant women, competitive bodybuilders, or those with unusual body shapes.

Q5: How often should I measure?
A: Every 2-4 weeks is sufficient to track meaningful changes.