The term ‘body fat’ is a familiar one. However, most people associate this word to obesity, cholesterol and an unhealthy constitution. Although excess body fat content can have severe implications, the body requires a specific content of body fat for various metabolic and structural functions.

The body absorbs fat from the foods you eat and stores it as body fat. As the body breaks down these fats, two byproducts are released into the body – glycerol and fatty acids. The liver processes glycerol into glucose and stores it as a stock of energy. Fatty acids provide energy for all your cells and tissues, especially for the heart muscles and the skeletal muscles. So, it is very important to include fatty substances in the diet.

The function of body fats include:

* Body fats maintain healthy skin and hair.

* Adequate body fat allows you to maintain the right body temperature.

* Body fats preserve energy in the body.

* Body fats are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of cells.

* Organs and tissues are cushioned by body fats.

* Body fats act as a shock absorber for bones.

* The body will not absorb many vital vitamins like A, E, D and K unless they combine with fats.

* Scientists believe that body fats act as immunity boosters to protect the body from ailments.

Undesirable Effects of Too Much Body Fat.

While the body cannot function smoothly without body fat, you must remember that an excess of body fat can negatively affect the body. Very often, the fats absorbed by the body do not burn off but get stored in the body. Such accumulation of body fats may lead to obesity that can then set off many other health issues like breathing difficulties, arthritis and heart disease.

According to the American Council on Exercise, body fat should ideally constitute– – 17 percent of the total body weight of a man and for women, body fat should be around 21 – 24 percent of total body weight. Maintaining these levels will prevent problems associated with excess body fat.

Knowing the exact fat percentage in your body can help in setting realistic weight loss plans. With the various fat measurement techniques available today, it is very easy to keep track of the body fat and adopt steps to a healthy lifestyle. Four popular fat measurement methods are Home Body Fat Scales, Navy Method, Hydrostatic Weighing and Skinfold Calipers.

Is Weight Loss the Same as Body Fat Loss?

Body fat loss and weight loss are two completely different concepts. Consider an instance of two individuals belonging to the same age group – an athletically built person and a normal person. Due to the extra weight of muscles, the athletic person may weigh more than his counterpart. However, the second person’s weight may be related to a higher content of body fat. Obviously, this person will be more vulnerable to weight-related issues than the athletic person. Therefore, it is important to lose body fat rather than trying to lose body weight. With new methods that measure body fat percentage, you can get an accurate report of your body fat and the amount you must lose or gain to remain fit and healthy.

When trying weight loss plans to lose body fat, it is best to adopt a plan that combines a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and a minimum of processed carbohydrates with a good exercise regimen. You should keep the body fat levels to the ideal percentage and enjoy better health in your life.

HealthStatus.com has a free calculator to determine your body fat percentage. Visit the site for and try the body fat calculator as well as many other easy to use interactive health tools.