Healthy Body Fat Levels by Age and Sex
Body fat rises naturally with age. See what ranges are reasonable.
Why age changes the picture
Muscle mass tends to fall and fat mass rise with age even when weight is stable. Women also gain fat around menopause.
Reference ranges
Healthy ranges are roughly 8 to 20 percent for men and 21 to 33 percent for women in adulthood, creeping up slightly after 60. Individual health matters more than a number.
Protect muscle
Strength training and enough protein slow age-related muscle loss. Keeping lean mass supports metabolism, balance and independence.
Try it: Body Fat Calculator (US Navy)
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Estimated body fat is 17.8%. The Navy method is accurate to within a few percentage points for most adults.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.