What Does 29% Body Fat Look Like on a Man?
What 29% body fat looks like on a man and how to track your progress
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Shown: 30% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 29% Body Fat Looks Like
Soft, prominent belly. Pronounced love handles. Chest soft and rounded. Arms thick with no definition. Fuller face with beginning of double chin.
Body Composition at 29%
Based on a 5'10", 180 lb man:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 52.2 lbs (23.7 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 127.8 lbs (58 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 29% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 127.8 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,623 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 1,948 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 2,232 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 2,516 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 2,800 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (2,516 cal/day):
128g
Protein
339g
Carbs
72g
Fat
How Long to Reach 29%
| Starting From | To Change | Est. Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% body fat | 25.2 lbs | ~67 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 20% body fat | 16.2 lbs | ~43 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 25% body fat | 7.2 lbs | ~19 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 30% body fat | 1.8 lbs | ~2 weeks | 0.5-1 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 29% body fat the same for men and women?
No. The same percentage looks and means different things for men and women. 29% body fat on a man falls in the "Obese" category, while on a woman it falls in the "Average" category. Women carry more essential fat for reproductive and hormonal function.
Is 29% body fat healthy for a man?
29% body fat falls in the ACE "Obese" category for men (25%+). This is above the average range and carries moderate health risk. Reducing body fat through diet and exercise can improve health markers.
What does 29% body fat look like on a man?
Soft, prominent belly. Pronounced love handles. Chest soft and rounded. Arms thick with no definition. Fuller face with beginning of double chin.
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