From puberty onwards, the fat mass of females is approximately how many times that of males of the same age?

From puberty onwards, females typically accumulate a greater amount of body fat compared to males, largely due to hormonal differences, particularly the influence of estrogen. This hormone promotes fat storage, particularly in areas such as the hips and thighs, which is a physiological adaptation for reproduction and overall health.

The ratio of fat mass between females and males of the same age increases during and after puberty, often reaching a level where females have approximately two times the fat mass of males. This difference not only reflects biological functions but also supports the reproductive processes that are essential in female physiology.

This understanding of fat mass distribution is crucial for clinical exercise physiologists, as it influences exercise prescription, nutritional guidance, and overall health assessments tailored to gender-specific needs. Recognizing that females have about double the fat mass compared to males helps in setting realistic health and fitness goals, especially in adolescence and adulthood.