What Does 37% Body Fat Look Like on a Woman?
What 37% body fat looks like on a woman and how to track your progress
Last updated: February 8, 2026

Shown: 35% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 37% Body Fat Looks Like
Obese. Large protruding belly. Very wide hips and thighs. Thick love handles. Thick fleshy arms. Very round face with double chin.
Body Composition at 37%
Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 55.5 lbs (25.2 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 94.5 lbs (42.9 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 37% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 94.5 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,297 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 1,556 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 1,783 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 2,010 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 2,237 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (2,010 cal/day):
95g
Protein
273g
Carbs
60g
Fat
How Long to Reach 37%
| Starting From | To Change | Est. Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22% body fat | 22.5 lbs | ~60 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 25% body fat | 18 lbs | ~48 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 30% body fat | 10.5 lbs | ~28 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 35% body fat | 3 lbs | ~8 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 37% body fat look like on a woman?
Obese. Large protruding belly. Very wide hips and thighs. Thick love handles. Thick fleshy arms. Very round face with double chin.
Can you see abs at 37% body fat on a woman?
No. At 37% body fat, abs are not visible on most women. This is completely normal and healthy.
How long does it take to get to 37% body fat?
If you are currently at 30% and gaining, reaching 37% would happen over time without intervention. To prevent further gain, a modest caloric deficit of 300-500 calories per day is recommended.
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