ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Approximately what percentage of body fat is distributed just below the skin?

1. 30%

2. 50%

3. 70%

4. 90%

The correct answer is: 50%

The distribution of body fat just below the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, typically accounts for about 50% of total body fat in individuals. This layer of fat serves several purposes, including insulation, protection for underlying muscles and bones, and energy storage. While the exact percentage can vary among individuals based on factors like genetics, sex, and overall body composition, estimating around 50% is a commonly accepted figure in health and fitness contexts. Other options present larger or smaller proportions that do not align with typical body fat distribution patterns. Subcutaneous fat is a significant part of an individual's total fat, but it does not make up the majority, which is why the choice of 70%, 90%, or even 30% would not accurately reflect the physiological makeup of body fat. Thus, the answer that approximates this distribution is 50%.