How do I calculate my body fat?

When it comes to body fat, less is generally better. Carrying too much fat increases the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes and weighs you down without contributing to forward motion.

In a 2011 study from the Department of Exercise Science at Washington University, scientists examined the threshold at which simulated gains in body fat affected performance.

Extra weight (equivalent to two, four, six, eight and 10 per cent of body weight) was added to the upper body of adults during fitness testing.

Across every test, performance started to decrease after just a two per cent increase in weight.

The message is clear: “Reducing body fat is one of the easiest ways to improve watts generated per kilogram of body mass, i.e. performance,” says Dr Ian Rollo, principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

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Body fat is divided into essential and storage fat. Essential fat is the minimum level needed for the body to function normally.

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This is typically three per cent for men and 12 per cent for women — but such levels are rarely reached even by the skinniest pro climbers.

Storage fat is everything over and above this level.

So, what’s a healthy level of body fat for a cyclist?

According to Philip Chant, director of Bodyscan, which offers body fat measurement via DEXA scan,

“A keen, seasoned [male] cyclist would want to have around 15.5 per cent; 22 per cent for women.”

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The healthy range recommended to the general population is 10-22 per cent for men and 20-32 per cent for women.

The accuracy of measuring body fat varies between the different techniques used.

At present, DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans are regarded as the gold standard.

Initially developed for measuring bone density, DEXA provides precise measurements of fat-free mass and fat mass, and is popular in professional sport.

“DEXA provides data for arms, legs and trunk, rather than a single, overall number,” says Chant.

“It does that not just for fat but for lean mass too. This means we can get a clear picture of fat and muscle distribution.”

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Measuring body fat: what's the best method?

When it comes to measuring body fat, not all techniques are equal.

The key is expert measurement. “The main point, independent of method used, is to ensure body fat measurement is completed by a suitably qualified individual and standardisation is completed prior to assessment, so meaningful changes can be tracked over time,” says Dr Rollo.

Is there such a thing as ideal body fat for a cyclist?

According to Dr Rollo, principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, there’s no one-size-fit-all prescription for body fat.

“Each cyclist an optimal level of body fat. However, above-normal percentages are not conducive to cycling performance.

"If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s interesting to map body fat values against watts per kilogram or TT performance.”

Remember, there is minimal, essential level of body fat required for health.

“Keep a note on your ability to maintain training intensities and general mood,” recommends Rollo.

“Sustaining low body fat may increase your susceptibility to illness and fatigue and decrease general motivation towards training.”