Is 0% Body Fat Possible for Women?
Why 0% body fat is biologically impossible and what actually happens to the human body at extreme body fat levels
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Medical Warning
Zero percent body fat is incompatible with life. Essential fat exists in the brain, bone marrow, nerves, and organ membranes. Without it, organs fail and death follows.
Shown: 10% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 0% Body Fat Looks Like
0% body fat is biologically impossible for women. Essential fat required for organ function and hormonal health is 10-13%.
No living human has ever been measured at 0% body fat. The closest documented case is Andreas Munzer, measured near zero at autopsy (post-mortem). Essential fat in the brain, organs, and bone marrow makes 0% incompatible with life.
Body Composition at 0%
Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 0 lbs (0 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 0% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 150 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,839 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 2,207 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 2,529 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 2,850 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 3,172 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (2,850 cal/day):
150g
Protein
428g
Carbs
60g
Fat
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0% body fat possible for women?
No. 0% body fat is biologically impossible for women. Women require at least 10-13% essential fat for organ function and survival.
What is the lowest body fat a woman can survive at?
The lowest survivable body fat for women is approximately 10-12%. Women require more essential fat than men due to reproductive organs and hormonal function.
What happens to your body at extremely low body fat?
Extremely low body fat causes organ failure, hormonal collapse, immune system shutdown, cognitive impairment, and eventually death. The body cannibalizes its own tissues when fat reserves are depleted.
More in Essential Fat
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