Body fat – everything you need to know
You’ve probably heard of the Body Mass Index (BMI)? Maybe you even calculated it yourself – height in cm divided by weight squared. But this value says little. The decisive factor is the body fat percentage, because muscles weigh more than fat. Bodybuilders often have a BMI that suggests overweight – with only 5% body fat!
For men, 15–20% is considered normal, for women 20–30%. If you really want to train effectively, focus on your body fat percentage, not the scale.
Why is a high body fat percentage dangerous?
The Robert Koch Institute shows: Excessive body fat increases risks for:
- Cardiovascular diseases (most common consequence)
- Joint wear and rheumatism
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain types of cancer
With our EMS training, you can specifically reduce fat and build muscle – just 20 minutes per week shows results!
Ideal body fat percentage: These are the guidelines
| CLASSIFICATION | WOMEN | MEN |
| LOWER LIMIT | 10 – 13 % | 2 – 5 % |
| ATHLETIC | 14 – 20 % | 6 – 13 % |
| FIT | 21 – 24 % | 14 – 17 % |
| AVERAGE | 25 – 31 % | 18 – 24 % |
| OBESE | >31% | >24% |
⚠️ Important: Too low is unhealthy! Below 10% (women) or 5% (men) can lead to:
- Absence of menstruation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Heart rhythm disorders
You usually only see a six-pack below 15% – but your feel-good value is individual.
Do you want to reduce your body fat? Discover our EMS devices – professional results without the gym!
