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 men:

Where:

• \( abdomen \) — Abdomen circumference at navel (cm)
• \( neck \) — Neck circumference (cm)
• \( height \) — Height (cm)

Explanation: The formula estimates body fat percentage based on circumference measurements and height, using logarithmic transformations to account for non-linear relationships.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight management goals. High body fat is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure abdomen at the level of the navel while standing relaxed
• Measure neck just below the larynx with tape sloping slightly downward
• All measurements should be in centimeters
• For most accurate results, take measurements in the morning before eating

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy body fat percentage for men?
A: For men: Essential fat 2-5%, Athletes 6-13%, Fitness 14-17%, Average 18-24%, Obese 25%+.

Q2: How accurate is this method?
A: The Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3%) for most people but less accurate for very lean or obese individuals.

Q3: Is there a different formula for women?
A: Yes, women's formula includes hip measurement: 163.205 × log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log10(height) - 78.387.

Q4: How often should I measure body fat?
A: Every 4-8 weeks is sufficient to track changes, as body fat changes slowly with diet/exercise.

Q5: What are more accurate methods?
A: DEXA scan, hydrostatic weighing, and BodPod are more accurate but require special equipment.