What is Body Fat?

What is body fat? Body fat is the body mass percentage without bones, muscles, organs, connective tissue, and water. Body fat is composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Body fat is the source of concentrated energy for the metabolic needs. Fat is a secure reservoir of calories in the adipose tissue. Adipose tissue also helps to insulate the body. Body fat depends on genetics, diet, and exercise. If the organism has exhausted the energy from carbohydrates, it starts using fat calories. Fat excess leads to overweight and obesity.

What is body fat percentage?

Experts affirm that men should have about 18% of total body fat and women must have about 23%. A fat excess becomes particularly dangerous for the health if it reaches 35% of total body fat in men and 40% in women. In bodybuilding and weight exercise, the muscles are better outlined if the body fat is around 6% in men and 12% in women.

What is body fat origin?

Fat is accumulated in the body in case of consumption of excess of calories. Scientists describe two categories of fat.

• Essential fat is necessary for normal physiological functions. Essential fat is found in the bone marrow, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, muscles, and central nervous system. Women need additional fat during pregnancy, childbirth and associated hormonal activity.
• Storage fat is accumulated in adipose tissue. Men and women have comparable amounts of storage fat that averages from 12% to 15%.

What is body fat determination?

• Dual energy X-ray absorption allows measuring of body fat and determining of depot fat. It is a good approach to determine what is body fat. This method employs body scanner and 2 low-dose x-rays. A body scan takes from 10 to 20 minutes. Dual energy X-ray absorption is precise and pain free.
• Hydrostatic weighing is extremely accurate. Hydrostatic weighing measures underwater weight. The error margin of this method is 2-3%.

What is body fat excess?

The body fat is deposited in relation to gender and genetic particularities. Men accumulate fat around the diaphragm. Women build up fat around the thighs and hips. Excessive fat may result in health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. People who are able to keep the body fat within reasonable limits enjoy better health and appearance.

What is body fat loss?

To lose 1 lb of fat according to the weight loss program, it is necessary to burn from 3500 to 4000 calories. The elimination of fat excess is realized by consuming fewer calories. The body fat stores in this case are broken down to cover the energy deficit. Regular exercise also helps to increase the caloric expenditure. Additional physical activity burns more calories. Those who increase physical activity without increasing the food intake draw the required additional energy from the storages of body fat.