Body fat percentage is a measure that tells us how much of our total body weight is made up of fat tissue compared to other tissues like muscles, bones, and organs. Now, when we talk about 20% body fat, whether it’s considered “skinny” or not depends on various factors including gender, age, and individual body composition.
For men, 20% body fat usually falls within the “average” range. At this level, they are likely to have a moderate amount of fat covering their muscles. They might not have a visible six-pack, but they will have a fairly flat stomach. To put it in perspective, bodybuilders or athletes might aim for body fat percentages as low as 6-10%, while an average healthy range for men is often considered to be between 15-20%.
For women, the story is a bit different. Women naturally have a higher percentage of body fat due to factors like reproductive needs. For them, 20% body fat is leaner than average, and they might have some muscle definition, particularly if they’ve been exercising regularly. Many athletic women have body fat percentages in the range of 16-25%. So, a woman with 20% body fat would be considered fit and on the lean side, but not necessarily “skinny.”
The word “skinny” often implies lack of muscle as well as low body fat. It’s possible to be skinny with a higher body fat percentage if muscle mass is also low. On the flip side, someone might have a higher body weight with substantial muscle mass and still maintain a body fat percentage around 20%.
20% body fat doesn’t directly translate to being “skinny.” For men, it’s average, and for women, it’s on the leaner side. But whether or not one appears skinny at this percentage will also depend on their muscle mass and overall body composition. If your goal is to achieve visible six-pack abs, you’d typically aim for a lower body fat percentage, while also emphasizing muscle-building exercises for the core.