There is a close connection between fitness, weight management, diet, exercise programs, and body fat. Keep in mind that cardiovascular fitness does not necessarily correlate with body weight. In fact, many people who do a lot of weight training may be quite heavy but have low body fat. Lean muscle mass is heavier than fat.
Unfortunately, most life insurance quotes only take height and weight into consideration when assigning an insurance premium. The chart below lists general body fat classifications for men and women in various age ranges.
Body Fat Percentage Ranges
Male Age Range
Too Little
Healthy
Overweight
Obese
20 to 30
Below 8%
9% to 19%
20% to 25%
Above 25%
31 to 40
Below 8%
9% to 19%
20% to 25%
Above 25%
41 to 50
Below 11%
12% to 22%
23% to 27%
Above 27%
51 to 60
Below 11%
12% to 22%
23% to 27%
Above 27%
61 to 70
Below 13%
13% to 24%
25% to 30%
Above 30%
Female Age Range
Too Little
Healthy
Overweight
Obese
20 to 30
Below 20%
21% to 30%
31% to 40%
Above 40%
31 to 40
Below 21%
22% to 32%
33% to 41%
Above 41%
41 to 50
Below 23%
24% to 35%
36% to 41%
Above 41%
51 to 60
Below 23%
24% to 35%
36% to 41%
Above 41%
61 to 70
Below 24%
25% to 36%
37% to 43%
Above 43%
Do You Need to Lose Weight by Cutting Fat?
The (not so) shocking fact is that most people do need to get leaner and meaner. Being fit is closely related to general good health, lowered risk of heart disease, and elevated self-esteem. Fit people also do better in getting hired and finding a mate.
OK, maybe those last two facts aren’t politically correct, but numerous studies do show them to be accurate. To get on the road to fitness recovery, here's a few things to do:
Begin a running program or some other form of activity (with a doctor’s permission, of course).
Shape up your diet. I didn’t say go on a diet. Consult the
glycemic index table. Skip the fast food, eat a fresh, balanced diet, and stop driving around the parking lot for 10 minutes to get a close parking spot. Stretch those legs.
Get the support of like-minded individuals. Join a running club or a fitness center.
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