What should be the body fat percent in a women for having ripped abs? Less or more than 10%? Just an approx.?
I read that man should be less than 10%, but women are different?
Women need at least 10-12% of body fat. This is called "essential fat" that our bodies need to work properly. The recommended body fat level for women who are athletes I believe is about 14 – 20%. Women who are considered "fit" (probably what you are talking about) have a body fat percentage around 25%.
And yes, women are different. Our bodies naturally have more fat, and they need this fat level. Men’s essential fat percentage is 2-4%, so there is a significant difference.
December 5th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
According to an article from Medscape.com, the American Dietetic Association recommends that men have 15-18% body fat and women have 20-25% body fat. Healthy male athletes might be as low as 5-12% body fat, and healthy female athletes could be as low as 10-20%.
References :
December 5th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Women need at least 10-12% of body fat. This is called "essential fat" that our bodies need to work properly. The recommended body fat level for women who are athletes I believe is about 14 – 20%. Women who are considered "fit" (probably what you are talking about) have a body fat percentage around 25%.
And yes, women are different. Our bodies naturally have more fat, and they need this fat level. Men’s essential fat percentage is 2-4%, so there is a significant difference.
References :