What Does 42% Body Fat Look Like on a Man?
What 42% body fat looks like on a man and how to track your progress
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Shown: 40% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 42% Body Fat Looks Like
Severely obese. Very large protruding belly. Significant fat deposits everywhere. Skin folds visible. Very round face. Limited mobility.
Body Composition at 42%
Based on a 5'10", 180 lb man:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 75.6 lbs (34.3 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 104.4 lbs (47.4 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 42% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 104.4 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,394 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 1,673 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 1,917 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 2,161 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 2,405 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (2,161 cal/day):
104g
Protein
274g
Carbs
72g
Fat
How Long to Reach 42%
| Starting From | To Change | Est. Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% body fat | 48.6 lbs | ~130 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 20% body fat | 39.6 lbs | ~106 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 25% body fat | 30.6 lbs | ~82 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 30% body fat | 21.6 lbs | ~58 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 42% body fat healthy for a man?
42% 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 42% body fat look like on a man?
Severely obese. Very large protruding belly. Significant fat deposits everywhere. Skin folds visible. Very round face. Limited mobility.
Can you see abs at 42% body fat?
No. At 42% body fat, abs are not visible on most men. A layer of subcutaneous fat covers the abdominal muscles.
More in Obese
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