Body Fat Percentage is the proportion of fat to the total body weight.

Body fat is essential for maintaining body temperature, cushioning joints and protecting internal organs.

Too much fat can damage your long-term health. Reducing excess levels of body fat has been shown to directly reduce the risk of certain conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Too little body fat may lead to osteoporosis in later years, irregular periods in women and possible infertility. Over an extended period of time, this can lead to other health risks such as the loss of bone mass.

It is thus important to keep your body fat results against the Tanita healthy body fat ranges.

Based on the Gold Standard DEXA and also related researches, Tanita developed the following Healthy Body Fat range for both Asian & Caucasian people, available from 5 to 99 years old.

How much Body Fat is healthy?

Your Tanita Monitor will automatically compare your personal body fat reading to the Healthy Body Fat Range chart below.

NOTE: The following is for the reference of Asian people only. For Caucasian, please refer to http://tanita.eu/tanita-academy/understanding-your-measurements.

Based on NIH/WHO BMI guidelines. As reported by Gallagher et al at NY Obesity Research Center.

How much Body Fat is healthy for children?

Following the latest medical research you are now able to monitor your child's body fat percentage and encourage them to stay within the healthy body fat range as they develop. As a parent you will already be aware of your child's health and general wellbeing. By also using a Tanita Monitor you can have even greater confidence that your family is leading a healthier lifestyle.

Jebb S, McCarthy D, Fry T, Prentice AM (2004). New body fat reference curves for children. Obesity Reviews (NAASO Suppl) A156