Body Fat 12.7%

Body fat percentage is the percentage of fat in our body.

A small percentage of fat is essential for our body to function. We need a certain minimal amount of fat to insulate our tissues and organs and to regulate our body temperature.

Fat is also the way our body stores energy. The necessary amount of fat is called essential fat and the minimum percentage for survival is 3 to 5 percents in men.

This is a sustainable level for most men where you should be able to see your abs, but they will likely not be as defined as a man in the 6-7% body fat range.

A body fat percentage of 12.7 is the classic beach body look that most men want and many women love. While not very defined, there is separation between muscles, some muscle striations potentially in the shoulders, or arms, but striations are not showing on every muscle.

Vascularity is typically limited to the arms, with a little possibly on the legs.

12.7% Body Fat Women

Body fat plays a significant role in reproduction. Sex hormones are fat soluble and they are stored in the body’s fat layers. Women that have a low body fat produce a reduced amount of estrogen which can lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle, Amenorrhea, or the lack of a menstrual cycle.

A body fat percentage of 12.7 is still considered a very low body fat for women, which is similar to the 6-7% body fat for range men.

Many bikini and fitness models will reach this body fat level and some may not be able to menstruate.

Muscle definition in the abs, legs, arms, and shoulders is apparent, there is some vascularity and some separation between muscles.

Hips, buttocks, and thighs generally have a little less shape because of the low body fat.

Calculate your body fat percentage

Percent body fat is the percentage of fat your body contains.

Exact body fat percentage cannot be precisely determined, but multiple methods are used to estimate it. You can use our body fat calculator to estimate your body fat percentage: