What body fat percentage is considered obese for women?

A body fat percentage greater than 32% is considered obese for women according to most health and fitness guidelines. This classification stems from research that links higher body fat percentages to increased health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Body fat percentage classifications typically define obesity based on how excess fat may affect health rather than solely on weight metrics like body mass index (BMI). For women, a body fat percentage above 32% indicates a level of fat that can lead to these adverse health outcomes, especially when combined with lifestyle factors. Therefore, understanding these classifications helps health professionals better assess individuals' health risks and guide them in making necessary lifestyle changes.

In contrast, lower thresholds such as 28% and 30% typically categorize individuals as having higher than normal body fat without crossing into the "obese" category, while thresholds above 35% represent a higher concern for obesity-related health complications, usually classified as "morbid obesity."