Reducing body fat - healthy eating and exercise as the key to success

16.06.2025
Eine Frau in einem sportlichen Top misst ihren Taillenumfang mit einem pinken Maßband, symbolisiert die Frage, wie viele Kalorien am Tag benötigt werden, um abzunehmen.
Eine Frau in einem sportlichen Top misst ihren Taillenumfang mit einem pinken Maßband, symbolisiert die Frage, wie viele Kalorien am Tag benötigt werden, um abzunehmen.

Das Thema „Körperfettanteil reduzieren“ ist für viele Menschen, vor allem für Frauen, von großer Bedeutung, da zu viel Körperfett nicht nur das äußere Erscheinungsbild beeinträchtigen, sondern auch negative Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit haben kann. Eine Reduzierung kann dazu beitragen, das Risiko für verschiedene Krankheiten zu senken und das allgemeine Wohlbefinden zu steigern. In diesem Beitrag erfährst Du, wie Du Deinen Körperfettanteil senken, Dein Körpergewicht reduzieren und gleichzeitig Muskeln aufbauen kannst. Wir zeigen Dir, welche Strategien dabei helfen.

Highlights

  • Um Körperfett zu reduzieren, sind eine gesunde Ernährung und regelmäßige Bewegung entscheidend.
  • Eine Kombination aus kalorienarmen, eiweißreichen Mahlzeiten und Krafttraining hilft beim Muskelaufbau und erhöht den Energieverbrauch.
  • Kontinuierliche Aktivität im Alltag und ein realistischer Ernährungsplan fördern nachhaltige Erfolge ohne Jojo-Effekt.

Reduce body fat percentage: The basics

In order to successfully reduce body fat, it is important to understand the basic functions and relationships in the body. The Body fat percentage can be measured using various methods. In this section, we first clarify a few basic questions:

  • How does fat burning work in the body? Burning fat in the body is a complex process that relies on a sufficient energy supply and an active metabolism. The body needs energy to maintain its functions and this energy is obtained from the nutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) that we consume. If we consume more energy than our body needs, it stores this energy in the form of fat reserves, among other things. If, on the other hand, the body consumes more energy than we give it through food, fat burning occurs. In this case, it draws on the fat reserves and uses them to generate energy. With a Low carb diet For example, the body is supplied with few carbohydrates, which reduces its Energy supply from fat reserves which leads to Weight reduction can contribute.
  • How much body fat is healthy? There is no simple answer to this question, as the assessment depends on various factors (age, gender, distribution). In general, however, it can be said that a certain percentage of body fat is important to maintain vital functions of the body. A body fat percentage of around 10-20% is considered healthy for men and around 20-30% for women. Too much body fat can lead to various health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and joint problems.
  • How many calories do you need to cut in order to reduce body fat? To lose weight and reduce body fat, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Your Calorie requirement and how much of this you need to cut depends on various factors such as your current weight, your genetics, your training status and your metabolism. However, as a rough guide, you can say that you need a calorie deficit of around 500-1000 calories per day to lose around half a kilogram to one kilogram of body fat per week. In order not to overload the body, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet. If this Calorie deficit too high, this can even be counterproductive and make it more difficult to lose weight, as in this case the body will lose its general Basal metabolic rate reduced to less
    to consume energy. A diet low in carbohydrates also helps. Our healthy ready meals support you in everyday life when you need to be quick, so you don't have to do without protein or other important nutrients.

In addition to the diet, an appropriate fitness program is a good way to build muscle. Because the more muscle you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate. This means you consume more calories in everyday life. After strength training, you also benefit from the so-called Afterburn effectwhich means you burn calories even when you are resting.

Calculating your fat percentage: how to measure your body fat

To reduce body fat effectively, you must first reduce your Measure or calculate body fat. There are several ways to find out how high your fat percentage actually is.

Body fat measurement with the Caliper method

A common procedure is the Calculation using the caliper method. The thickness of the skin folds is measured on different areas of the body. Due to the different fat distribution on the body, the measuring points are slightly different for women and men.

Measuring points women: 

  • Triceps - approximately in the middle between shoulder and elbow 
  • Hip - diagonally slightly above the hip bone 
  • Thigh - Vertical in the middle between crotch and knee 

Measuring points men: 

  • Chest - diagonally in the middle between armpit and nipple 
  • Belly - Vertically slightly next to the navel 
  • Thigh - Vertically centered between crotch and knee 

The skin is pulled up with thumb and forefinger on the corresponding parts of the body and the caliper is applied to measure. You can then enter these values into a Body fat calculator which tells you your body fat percentage. 

Determination of body fat percentage using suitable scales or BIA

Another option is the Measurement using a body fat scale or
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
. Both variants ensure that electricity flows through your body, which makes it possible to measure the electrical resistance between different types of tissue. Muscles conduct electricity better than fat - this is how the scale interprets the conductivity of your body and calculates the Proportion of body fat and muscle mass.

Determine body fat percentage without aids

If you want to calculate your body fat percentage yourself, you can do this with Using a tape measure and the following formula do: 

  • Men: Body fat percentage = (((74.11 x waist circumference in cm) - 4464) / weight in kg) - 8.2 
  • Women: Body fat percentage = (((74.11 x waist circumference in cm) - 3482) / weight in kg) - 8.2 

With this method, the Abdominal circumference in relation to body weight and gender set, whereby a rough guide value derived
can be used.

Here is an example for both men and women: 

  • Example menBody fat percentage = (((74.11 x 90cm) - 4464)/88kg) - 8.2 = 16.9% 
  • Example womenBody fat percentage = (((74.11 x 70cm) - 3482)/60kg) - 8.2 = 20.2% 

Body fat chart for women and men

In addition to various options for determining your own body fat percentage, there is also an overview table that shows average values for men and women:

Guidelines for women

Age

Low

Medium

High

18-39

< 21%

21-32,9%

> 33%

40-59

< 23%

23-33,9%

> 34%

60-80

< 24%

24-35,9%

> 36%

 

Guide values for men

Age

Low

Medium

High

18-39

< 8%

8-19,9%

> 25%

40-59

< 11%

11-21,9%

> 28%

60-80

< 13%

13-24,9%

> 30%

How the right diet helps to reduce body fat

To reduce body fat and achieve lasting diet success, a healthy diet is an important component. Below you will find some tips on which foods you should prioritize to reach your goal, how often you should eat to boost your metabolism, and what is advisable in your macronutrient distribution.

What foods should you eat to reduce body fat?

To reduce your body fat percentage in the long term, you should pay attention to your diet, Sufficient proteinhealthy fats and complex carbohydrates to take with you. This includes, for example Legumes, wholegrain products, meat, fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables and some fruit. Avoid fried, sugary or processed foods with a high carbohydrate content. If you need to eat quickly, we recommend our healthy ready meals.

Proteins and high-quality fats keep you full for a long time, which means that the low-carb diet requires less energy. Feeling hungry arises. 

We have some super tasty Low carb recipe ideas for your everyday life so that you can easily put together your own nutrition plan. More Recipes you can also find in our Blog and on our Instagram channel

Reduce body fat: Delicious recipe ideas for losing weight 

Here we have for you Delicious and healthy low-carb recipes summarized, which you optimally help you lose weight

  • Light soups & stewsThese recipes are easy to prepare, low in calories and varied. The soups and stews are not only easy to digest, but also quick to cook. Why not try our vegan carrot orange ginger soup or a vegan pumpkin and carrot potato soup.
  • Vegetarian and vegan dishesColorful salad or tasty recipes for stir-fried and baked vegetables are ideal as a low-calorie dinner to lose weight. Why not try our healthy stuffed bell pepper halves. With our Oven Brussels sprouts with cauliflower rice recipe you can create the perfect alternative to conventional rice containing carbohydrates. And thanks to our vegan pumpkin fries you don't have to do without anything even when losing weight.
  • Healthy Bowls: LiveFresh offers vegan bowls in many different flavors - low carb & high protein is the focus here. These dishes create the ideal basis for losing weight and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Want to try a recipe for yourself? Then try our Healthy Buddha Bowl
  • Alternatives to classic bread & toast: You should avoid bread and toast when losing weight. Instead, try our Avocado toast made from sweet potatoes or make yourself delicious and healthy wraps. We also have the right Low carb wrap recipes ready for you.

Creating a nutrition plan, picking out recipes and shopping for the right ingredients takes a lot of time. This is usually difficult to combine with a stressful working day. For this reason, we have the food cleanse developed – Low carb, high protein and 100% vegan. The weight loss diet contains everything you need so that you are provided for every day - from breakfast to dinner. The ready-made nutrition plan guides you through the entire diet, including fitness and yoga sessions for men or women.

How often should you eat to boost your metabolism and reduce your body fat percentage?

There are different opinions on how often you should eat to boost your metabolism. Some experts recommend several small meals throughout the day, while others recommend a larger number of meals. However, it is important that No sugary snacks so that the body has to release large amounts of insulin. When insulin is in the blood, fat cannot be broken down. Basically, however, it is important to listen to your body and find out which rhythm suits you best. It is also important not to allow external influences such as work stress or social commitments to tempt you into eating unhealthily.

In our Blog you will find many healthy snacks and recipes that help you lose weight effectively. 

How much protein, carbohydrates and fat should you have in your diet?

The optimal Distribution of macronutrients depends on various factorssuch as the individual calorie requirementthe Activity level and the personal feeling of satiety and gender. Some people need more protein and high-quality fat and others need a little more carbohydrate to feel good. It all depends on how your body feels. However, cravings and cravings are usually a sign of too little protein and high-quality fat. Pay attention
In any case, make sure that your  Protein requirement per day and provide your body with sufficient nutrients.

Physical activity as an important component in reducing body fat

In addition to diet, regular physical activity and fitness training also play an essential role when it comes to reducing body fat and building muscle.

Which sports are best suited to reducing body fat?

Any kind of movement can help reduce body fat, as long as you regularly and with sufficient intensity is practiced. However, the most effective sports for burning fat include Endurance sports such as jogging, cycling, swimming and rowing. Strength training or training with your own body weight can also help, as it promotes muscle building and thus increases energy consumption at rest.

How often and for how long should you exercise to burn fat?

To reduce your body fat percentage, you should exercise regularly, preferably at least two to three times a week. The The duration of the training sessions should be at least 30 minutes, ideally even 60 minutes or longer. It is important to have a moderate to high intensity to stimulate the metabolism and increase energy consumption.

How can you increase your energy consumption without exercising?

There are also many possibilities, energy consumption in everyday life even if you do not exercise regularly. These include, for example Frequent walks, climbing stairs, gardening or housework. Active leisure activities such as dancing or swimming can also help to increase energy consumption. It is important to exercise regularly and maintain an active lifestyle.

Successful implementation: tips on motivation and how to keep going for a long time

In addition to the right diet and regular physical activity, a high level of motivation and stamina are crucial to reducing body fat in the long term. For example, formulate your goals according to the SMART formula and incorporate small intermediate goals. You can find more tips in our article about Motivation and perseverance.

How do you stay motivated to achieve your goal?

It can be helpful to Set specific goals and regularly review progress. Also the Support from friends and family or consulting a trainer can increase your motivation. Choose sports that are fun, offer variety and don't bore you after a short time.

How can you overcome setbacks?

It is important, Recognizing setbacks as part of the process and not get discouraged. Instead, you should realize that it is normal to have a bad day or a bad week in order to
then carry on with motivation.

How can the process be integrated into everyday life?

Here are some tips on how you can integrate the body fat reduction process into your everyday life:

  • Set realistic goals: It is important that you set yourself realistic and achievable goals that you can realize despite the hectic pace of everyday life.
  • Meal Prep: Plan your meals in advance and prepare them if necessary to ensure you always have healthy options available.
  • Cravings: Avoid temptations by removing unhealthy foods from your household or buying them less often.
  • Use everyday life as a training opportunity: Try to integrate more physical activity into your everyday life, for example by walking, cycling or climbing stairs more often. Alternatively, in the evening before
    TV to do a short workout with your own body weight.
  • Find a training partner: Find someone to train with you to motivate each other.
  • Celebrating success: Reward yourself for the Achieving goals. But don't resort to unhealthy foods. Instead, opt for something that motivates you to keep going, such as a new sports outfit or a wellness weekend.



Keep at it and don't be discouraged if you experience setbacks. Every step forward - no matter how small - is a success and brings you closer to your goal.

Frequently asked questions about reducing body fat:

What is the quickest way to reduce my body fat percentage?

There are No quick method or diet to reduce the body fat percentageas this is a process that Patience and Discipline is required. Healthy and sustainable weight loss is in the range of 0.5-1kg per week, which can be achieved through a Combination of a healthy diet low in carbohydrates and long-term physical activity can be achieved.

Can I build muscle and reduce fat at the same time?

It is perfectly possible to build muscle mass and reduce fat at the same time, but this requires Targeted nutrition in combination with effective fitness training. The best way to achieve this is by eating a balanced diet with sufficient protein and calories and doing regular strength training to build muscle. Good to know,
It is important to remember that building muscle is a slower process than building fat, so it may take some time before you see the desired results.

How long does it take to lose 1% body fat?

The time it takes to lose 1% body fat, can vary depending on individual factors such as initial weight, body composition, diet and training program. In general, healthy weight loss is considered to be at a rate of 0.5-1kg per week, which is roughly equivalent to a loss of 0.1% body fat. This means that can take about 10-20 weeks to lose 1% body fatif you take a healthy and sustainable approach.

Which workout reduces body fat most effectively?

There is no one exercise that is the most effective way to fight body fat - it's more about a holistic process. This
includes a mixture of physical activity, nutrition and sufficient rest. A Combination of endurance training such as jogging, cycling or swimming and strength training such as weight lifting or bodyweight exercises can help to burn calories, build muscle mass and increase the metabolism. All in all, this leads to a reduction in body fat. However, it is not only important that you adapt the training to your individual needs and abilities, but also that you do it regularly to achieve the best results.

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