explain what essential fat is and describe the gender differences in fat distribution.
The two types of fat in the body are: essential fat and nonessential fat, or storage fat. Essential fat is needed for normal physiological and biological functioning. It is found in bone. marrow, the brain, the spinal cord, cell membranes, muscles, and other internal organs. The level. of essential fat is approximately 3% of total body weight for men and 12% of total body weight. 2. for women.
Body Fat Distribution. Body fat distribution varies. Some people may be apple-shaped and carry most of their excess body fat around the stomach. Other people may be pear-shaped and carry most of their excess body fat around the hips, buttocks, and thighs. You can check to see if you are apple- or pear-shaped by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement. This will give you your waist-to-hip ratio.