I'm 15 and my body fat percentage is 21.7. Is this healthy or overweight?

Hi,

If you are female:

A body fat percent of 21.7 is healthy.  You need a minimum body fat percent of 17% to start menstruating.  Throughout puberty body fat gradually increases to an average of 23% for females.  A normal male body fat is 12%, so much lower than females due to greater muscle mass.

The following is a guide for an adult female.  You can use it as a reference for comparison.

Body fat between 14-20% is considered athletic.

Body fat 21-24% considered a fitness level.

Body fat 25-31% is acceptable.

Body fat percentages greater than 32% are defined as obese.

By being physically active and selecting healthy foods you should be able to maintain a body fat percent in the healthy range.  Calculating your BMI is another method you can use.

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

Lower Cholesterol, Control Blood Pressure, Lose Weight