What Does 43% Body Fat Look Like on a Woman?
What 43% body fat looks like on a woman and how to track your progress
Last updated: February 8, 2026

Shown: 45% body fat (closest visual reference)
What 43% Body Fat Looks Like
Very obese. Large belly, wide frame. Significant fat on hips, thighs, and arms. Skin folds visible. Round puffy face.
Body Composition at 43%
Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Fat Mass | 64.5 lbs (29.3 kg) |
| Lean Mass | 85.5 lbs (38.8 kg) |
| Body Fat Percentage | 43% |
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Estimated using the Katch-McArdle formula based on 85.5 lbs of lean mass:
| Activity Level | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) | 1,208 |
| Sedentary (desk job) | 1,450 |
| Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) | 1,661 |
| Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) | 1,872 |
| Very Active (6-7 days/week) | 2,084 |
Suggested Macros
Based on moderate activity (1,872 cal/day):
86g
Protein
247g
Carbs
60g
Fat
How Long to Reach 43%
| Starting From | To Change | Est. Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22% body fat | 31.5 lbs | ~84 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 25% body fat | 27 lbs | ~72 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 30% body fat | 19.5 lbs | ~52 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
| 35% body fat | 12 lbs | ~32 weeks | 0.25-0.5 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 43% body fat look like on a woman?
Very obese. Large belly, wide frame. Significant fat on hips, thighs, and arms. Skin folds visible. Round puffy face.
Can you see abs at 43% body fat on a woman?
No. At 43% body fat, abs are not visible on most women. This is completely normal and healthy.
How long does it take to get to 43% body fat?
If you are currently at 30% and gaining, reaching 43% would happen over time without intervention. To prevent further gain, a modest caloric deficit of 300-500 calories per day is recommended.
More in Obese
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