Body fat measurement is the process of determining the percentage of fat in the human body. It is a crucial aspect of health and fitness, providing insights into overall well-being and body composition. A body fat percentage between 15%-25% for men and 20%-30% for women is generally considered healthy. Knowing your body fat content can help you track progress towards fitness goals, manage weight, and assess the effectiveness of exercise and nutrition plans.
Historically, body fat measurement has evolved from rudimentary methods like the skinfold caliper to advanced techniques utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis and computerized tomography. These advancements have greatly enhanced accuracy and broadened the scope of body fat measurement.