Calculating body fat percentage is a crucial step in assessing overall health and fitness. Body fat percentage refers to the proportion of body weight that is made up of fat. It provides a more accurate indication of body composition compared to weight and BMI alone.
Determining body fat percentage is significant for several reasons. It helps individuals:
• monitor weight loss and body composition changes
• assess the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes
• optimize exercise plans and nutrition strategies.
Historically, the development of body fat assessment methods, such as underwater weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis, has played a key role in advancing understanding of body composition.