In some cases, losing weight may not be the answer.
Weight loss happens when a person exerts more energy than they consume.
This is called a negative energy balance.
The body seeks out stores of energy, starting with fat, to make up the shortfall.
In a person with little fat, more muscle and lean tissue will be used up.
This can lead to further health problems.
These include:
-a higher risk of osteoporosis
-reduced muscle mass and strength
-problems regulating body temperature
-a lower ability to resist infections
Body fat percentage is the weight of a person's fat divided by their total weight.
Total body fat includes essential and storage fat.
Essential fat: A person needs essential fat to survive.
It plays a role in a wide range of bodily functions.
For men, it is healthy to have 2 to 4 percent of their body composition as essential fat.
For women, the figure is 10 to 13 percent.
according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Storage fat: Fatty tissue protects the internal organs in the chest and abdomen,
and the body can use it if necessary for energy.
Apart from the approximate guidelines for men and women
the ideal total fat percentage can depend on a person's body type or activity level