Final answer:
The recommended body fat percentage for a young woman is between 20 and 30 percent of her total weight. This range is optimal for reproductive function and hormonal differences compared to males. The skin-fold test is a simple and low-cost method to measure body fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended body fat percentage for a young woman is between 20 and 30 percent of her total weight. This range is considered optimal for females and is necessary for reproductive function as well as the hormonal differences compared to males.
To measure body fat, a simple and low-cost method is the skin-fold test, where a health professional uses a caliper to measure the thickness of the skin at various parts of the body. This method, although noninvasive and fairly accurate, is typically compared to standards for young to middle-aged adults.