The Link Between Body Fat Percentage and Men's Health Issues

You’ve probably stumbled upon the term body fat percentage, whether it was during locker room talks with the guys, while exercising at the gym, or in an article like this one. But what does this measurement entail? Is it an indicator of health issues? And how does one maintain optimal values? Does the body fat percentage men have differ from that of women? What is the most accurate way to get those readings?

We’ll tackle all of these questions and more in the following sections. Join us as we try to debunk the myth behind the infamous body fat percentage. Let’s get started!

Understanding Body Fat Percentage

Those just starting their fitness journey mainly refer to their body weight as an indicator of health and a benchmark for the changes they’ll need to make. However, this approach might not be the best one out there, especially if trying to determine the risk of developing certain underlying conditions. Before anything else, one needs to get an accurate reading of their body fat percentage.

Body fat percentage (BFP) refers to the amount of fat in the body compared to lean mass, organs, tissues, and water. Although our bodies do need fat to function normally, excessive amounts of it can be detrimental. By now, you must be wondering what those optimal values are, and this is where things become slightly more complex.

Namely, the ideal body fat percentage for men differs from that for women in that it is slightly lower. Of course, age plays an important role, too, so we’ve made sure to provide you with accurate values featuring both parameters in this body fat percentage chart men and women should follow.

Age	Men’s BFP	Women’s BFP
20–39	8%–19%	21%–32%
40–59	11%–21%	23%–33%
60–79	13%–24%	24%–35%

Health Risks Associated With High Body Fat Percentage

Now that we’ve seen the body fat percentage men should have, let’s address the real issue — the health concerns associated with high BFP. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases mentions the following:

• Diabetes (type 2): Those with this type of diabetes have high levels of blood glucose (blood sugar). Research indicates that 8 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes suffer from obesity.

• Hypertension: Also known as high blood pressure, this health condition arises when blood flows through your blood vessels more forcefully than it should.
• Heart disease: The term itself might sound a bit vague, but it encompasses several conditions such as angina, abnormal heart rhythm, and even heart attack and cardiac arrest. Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can all increase the risk of developing heart disease.
• Stroke: This condition is the result of the blood supply to your brain being suddenly cut off. The blockage is caused by a blood vessel bursting in one’s neck or brain, which can have severe and potentially fatal consequences.

• Cancer: Some studies indicate that there have been instances where new cancer cases were the result of excess body weight. Moreover, some findings showed that obesity was responsible for 3.9% of all cancers.

Causes of High Body Fat Percentage

If you look at the men body fat chart above, you’ll see that they typically have lower BFP compared to women. But what causes an increase in these metrics? We’ll discuss the most important factors below.

• Unbalanced diet: The truth is many of us don’t really pay that much attention to our food intake. Just because you ordered a salad at the restaurant, it doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest choice. Be mindful of the food you include in your meals, and make sure you strike the right balance of protein and fiber.
• Genetics: Different sources state that there are 400+ genes that can contribute to having a high body percentage by impacting satiety, metabolism, and body-fat distribution. The role genetics plays in your body's makeup can vary from person to person.
• Lack of physical activity: It’s pretty simple — if you intake calories, you need to burn them. If you don’t, they’ll accumulate in your body. Regular physical activity will help you stay in shape. You’ve finally decided to hit the gym but haven’t seen any results? As you get used to exercising, you need to increase the difficulty of your workouts little by little.

How to Manage Body Fat Percentage

We’ve already mentioned how important it is to have a balanced diet and to exercise regularly if you want your BFP to match the optimal values from our men body fat chart. Of course, you’ll need a reliable device that’ll help you keep track of your progress. Now, a regular body scale won’t do, but one like the Eros Smart Body Fat Scale can become your faithful companion, as it will help you stay on top of 13 body metrics, including BFP. 

If you feel like your efforts are futile, you can always seek professional help. Experts will help you find the root of the problem and advise you on how to proceed further.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or thinking of embarking on one, body fat percentage is going to play an important role every step of the way. Therefore, it’s important to track it regularly with a reliable device like INEVIFIT’s Eros Smart Body Fat Scale. Pair it with regular workouts and a balanced diet, and your goal may be on the horizon.

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