What Does 13% Body Fat Look Like on a Man?
What 13% body fat looks like on a man and how to track your progress
Last updated: February 8, 2026

Shown: 12% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 13% Body Fat Looks Like
Athletic and toned. Visible upper abs, faint lower abs. Some muscle definition on arms and chest. Slim waist.
Body Composition at 13%
Based on a 5'10", 180 lb man:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 23.4 lbs (10.6 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 156.6 lbs (71 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 13% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 156.6 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,904 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 2,285 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 2,618 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 2,951 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 3,284 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (2,951 cal/day):
157g
Protein
419g
Carbs
72g
Fat
How Long to Reach 13%
| Starting From | Fat to Lose | Est. Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% body fat | 3.6 lbs | ~5 weeks | 0.5-1 lb |
| 20% body fat | 12.6 lbs | ~17 weeks | 0.5-1 lb |
| 25% body fat | 21.6 lbs | ~29 weeks | 0.5-1 lb |
| 30% body fat | 30.6 lbs | ~41 weeks | 0.5-1 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 13% body fat look like on a man?
Athletic and toned. Visible upper abs, faint lower abs. Some muscle definition on arms and chest. Slim waist.
Can you see abs at 13% body fat?
Partially. At 13% body fat, upper abs are usually visible, with faint lower ab lines in good lighting.
How long does it take to get to 13% body fat?
Starting from 25% body fat, it would take approximately 29 weeks to reach 13% at a safe rate of 0.5-1 lb per week. This assumes a consistent caloric deficit and regular exercise.
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