Final answer:
The average body fat for a representative woman according to Behnke's models ranges from 20 to 30 percent of her total weight. Fat distribution and measurement methods like skin-fold tests and waist-to-hip ratios differ in their ability to assess health risks related to body fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average body fat for a representative woman, according to Behnke's theoretical models for body composition, falls within the optimal range of 20 to 30 percent of her total body weight. It's important to note that body fat percentage can vary based on factors such as sex, age, and physical activity level. In women, higher fat mass is needed for reproduction and is influenced by hormonal differences compared to men.
Different methods are used to measure body fat content, such as the skin-fold test which is noninvasive and fairly accurate. However, it is generally compared to standards from mostly young to middle-aged adults. Moreover, the distribution of fat between the sexes differs, with men typically accumulating fat in the abdomen, while women tend to store it around the hips and thighs, which is associated with fewer health risks.
Another way to assess health risks related to fat distribution is the waist-to-hip ratio. Women with a ratio greater than 0.86 are considered to have excessive abdominal fat, which is associated with a higher risk of obesity-related diseases as opposed to fat stored in other body parts like hips.