‘Body fat’ is a common term. However, many people link this term to obesity, cholesterol and an unhealthy constitution. While excess body fat content can cause many severe problems, the body requires a certain amount of body fat for various metabolic and structural functions.

Body fat is created in the body through the absorption of fats in the foods you eat. 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 major tissues, especially for the heart muscles and the skeletal muscles. So, it is very important to include the correct amount of fatty substances in the diet.

Here are a few major functions of body fats:

* Body fats help to maintain healthy skin and hair.

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

* Body fats are the sources of energy in the body.

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

* Body fats provide cushioning for organs and tissues.

* 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.

* Body fats are also believed to act as immunity boosters to protect the body from ailments.

Excess Body Fat – Why Is It Undesirable?

While the body cannot function smoothly without body fat, you must remember that too much body fat can adversly affect the systems of the body. The fats absorbed by the body but not immediately needed 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.

To prevent problems associated with excess body fat, one must know the current body fat percentage in the body and the ideal percentage required. 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.

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

Is Weight Loss the Same as Body Fat Loss?

Weight loss and body fat reduction are two completely different concepts. Consider an instance of two individuals the same age – 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. The normal 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 levels and enjoy more health and happiness in your life.

HealthStatus.com has free calculators to determine your body fat percentage. Click to see the body fat calculator, and ideal weight as well as many other easy to use interactive health tools.