What's Your Body Fat?

When it comes to tracking weight loss, most of us rely on the scale to tell us whether we've lost or gained weight. But, as people are fast learning, this isn't the best way to keep track of your weight. A scale measures everything including muscle, fat, bones, and what you ate or drank that day. It doesn't tell you what you really need to know: how much fat do you have?
Body Composition

Body composition is simply the ratio of lean body mass to fat body mass. Too much fat can lead to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and other serious conditions. If you keep your body fat within a reasonable level, you'll be healthier and, of course, slimmer.
Body Fat Categories for Women

10-12% - Essential Fat
14-20% - Athletic Fat Levels
21-24% - Fitness Fat Levels
25-31% - Acceptable Fat Levels
>32% - Obese

Body Fat Categories for Men

2-4% - Essential Fat
6-13% - Athletic Fat Levels
14-17% - Fitness Fat Levels
18-25% - Acceptable Fat levels
>26% - Obese