What Does 35% Body Fat Look Like on a Woman?

What 35% body fat looks like on a woman and how to track your progress

ACE: Obese(32%+)Risk: Moderate

Last updated: February 8, 2026

FitCommit Body Fat Guide showing what 35 percent body fat looks like on a woman. Female 35% body fat in the ACE Obese range. Overweight.

What 35% Body Fat Looks Like

Overweight. Prominent soft belly. Wide hips with significant fat. Thick thighs. Thick upper arms. Round full face.

Body Composition at 35%

Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman:

Metric	Value
Total Weight	150 lbs (68 kg)
Fat Mass	52.5 lbs (23.8 kg)
Lean Mass	97.5 lbs (44.2 kg)
Body Fat Percentage	35%

Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)

Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 97.5 lbs of lean mass:

Activity Level	Calories/Day
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)	1,325
Sedentary (desk job)	1,590
Lightly Active (1-3 days/week)	1,822
Moderately Active (3-5 days/week)	2,054
Very Active (6-7 days/week)	2,286

Suggested Macros

Based on moderate activity (2,054 cal/day):

98g

Protein

281g

Carbs

60g

Fat

How Long to Reach 35%

Starting From	To Change	Est. Weeks	Rate
22% body fat	19.5 lbs	~52 weeks	0.25-0.5 lb
25% body fat	15 lbs	~40 weeks	0.25-0.5 lb
30% body fat	7.5 lbs	~20 weeks	0.25-0.5 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 35% body fat the same for men and women?

No. The same percentage looks and means different things for men and women. 35% body fat on a man falls in the "Obese" category, while on a woman it falls in the "Obese" category. Women carry more essential fat for reproductive and hormonal function.

Is 35% body fat healthy for a woman?

35% body fat falls in the ACE "Obese" category for women (32%+). This is above the average range and carries moderate health risk. Reducing body fat through diet and exercise can improve health markers.