The skinny on skinny fat

April 29, 2011

Image by Roxana Marroquin.
Did you know that one can have normal body weight and still be fat? BMI can be a good indicator of the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, it does not address body fat percentage and waist circumference which are better indicators of health threats related to being overweight. In fact, someone with normal body weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) can still have too much body fat which increases one’s risk of developing the abovementioned and other disorders. Acceptable body fat is less than 32% (ideally <25%) for women and less than 25% (ideally <18%) for men. Essential fat for women is 10-13% and 2-5% for men.

With almost two-thirds of the American population being overweight or obese, the common idea of what is considered normal weight is being distorted.  To illustrate this here are three pictures of women that would be considered by most to have normal and healthy body habitus, while in fact having high body fat percentages.

29.9% body fat
5’8”, 142lbs, size 6
173 cm, 64.5 kg
Photo by Roxana Marroquin
Picture from http://newyork.timeout.com/ 
30% body fat
5’4”, 123lbs, size 4
162.5 cm, 56 kg
Photo by Roxana Marroquin
Picture from http://newyork.timeout.com/ 
36% body fat
4’11”, 108lbs, size 2
150 cm, 50 kg
Photo by Roxana Marroquin
Picture from http://newyork.timeout.com/


Sources: 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-rst/4738.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/normal-weight-obesity/AN02007
http://www.acefitness.org/calculators/bodyfat-calculator.aspx
http://newyork.timeout.com/shopping-style/spas-salons/16633/slim-shady



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