Body Fat Percentage of Athletes

Because of genetics and training, the body-fat percentage of athletes can be much lower than those of average people. Even within the athlete population, there are variations in body-fat percentages.

  1. Male Athletes

    • The normal range of body fat for male athletes is 6 percent to 10 percent. According to the American Dietetic Association's book "Nutrition," male athletes should not go lower than 5 percent body fat.

    Female Athletes

    • The normal range of body fat for female athletes is 10 percent to 15 percent. Female athletes retain normal menstruation at a minimum of 13 percent body fat.

    Variances

    • Body-fat percentages for athletes vary depending on sport. For instance, swimmers have higher percentages than endurance athletes, such as distance runners and cyclists.

    Seasonal Change

    • During the offseason, athletes typically carry higher body-fat percentages.

    Contradictions

    • Research by Christine Mermier of the University of New Mexico suggests that lower body-fat percentages than recommended are acceptable and present in collegiate athletes. For example, the average percentage of male distance runners was found to be 2.9 percent, more than 2 percentage points below the minimum recommendation.