Calculating body fat involves determining the percentage of fat mass in relation to total body weight. This metric provides insights into health risks, muscle mass, and overall bodily composition. For instance, an individual with15% body fat has 15 pounds of fat for every 100 pounds of weight.
Understanding body fat is essential for managing weight, improving fitness, and monitoring health conditions. Historically, the development of body mass index (BMI) in the 19th century provided an initial tool for assessing composition. However, BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass, making body fat calculation a more accurate measure.