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What Is Normal Body Fat Percentage for Women?

Adipose tissue, or fat, is essential for the body to function properly. According to the American Council on Exercise, women need a body fat percentage of 10 to 12 percent for the tissue to adequately protect the body, regulate temperature, provide insulation, produce sex hormones and supply enough fuel to carry out activities. Dangers arise when the body stores too much fat. The American Heart Association states that a higher body fat percentage can lead to greater risks for developing diabetes, strokes, gallstones, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease, even among women categorized in the “normal” range for weight and body mass index (BMI). A study released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that levels of inflammation, which indicates a future risk for obesity, heart disease and metabolic disorders, correlated with a woman’s percentage of body fat and not with body weight or BMI.