What is a good body fat % goal for me?

[jagresock]

How do I know what mine is and how do I know what is a good goal for me?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[LZeeW]

@jagresock   Body fat percent is estimated several different ways, from very low tech to very high tech.  There are skin caliper methods, body fat composition scales that use bioimpedance measurements, Bod Pods, and DEXA scans.  All are estimates.  This article from healthline.com is an easy read.  I think it will answer your questions.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @jagresock. It's good to see you around. @LZeeW Thanks for stopping by to help our friend.

@jagresock I've moved your post to the iOS board as there are more chances to get related replies here. If you've not done so, please review the information shared by our friend @LZeeW. I'm sure you'll find an answer there.

Have a good day.

[jagresock]

If its so difficult to get one’s body fat %, I’m wondering why Fitbit uses it and gives you the opportunity to enter what it currently is and then the ability to edit it when it changes. Fitbit is so nice and generally easy to use, I would think monitoring BMI, which is easy to calculate, would be easier to track and just as useful as body fat%.      I’d like to add that I have lost 11 pounds since January when I started tracking my food in my Fitbit. It’s a great motivator.

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@jagresock   You're right about measuring BMI.  It's easy.  It's a relationship between height and weight.  It wasn't developed as a health screening tool, but it became one.  BMI doesn't tell you about your body composition.  Some people want to know and follow this aspect of themselves.  Others on a weight loss journey might want to know that their weight loss is from losing fat and not from losing muscle mass.

Yes, things like Bod Pods and DEXA scans are more complicated and more expensive.  Body composition scales are fairly inexpensive and easy to use.  I think Fitbit is trying to options to different users.

Congratulations on your weight loss success.  I'm glad your Fitbit is keeping you motivated.