What is the formula to calculate target body weight based on desired body fat percentage?

The formula for calculating target body weight based on a desired body fat percentage is determined by the relationship between fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and the desired body fat percentage. The correct formula utilizes the current fat-free mass and the desired body fat percentage to find the target weight.

To understand why the selected formula is accurate, it starts with recognizing that if you know your current FFM, you can maintain that lean mass while calculating how much of your target weight should be fat mass. The formula takes the current FFM and divides it by the proportion of the body that is desired to be fat-free, which is represented as (1 - % Desired BF). Because the desired body fat percentage is intended to reflect how much fat one aims to maintain relative to the total body weight, dividing the current FFM by (1 - % Desired BF) yields the overall target body weight.

Using this formula correctly assumes that the individual will maintain their lean body mass while adjusting for fat mass to reach the desired body fat percentage, which is a crucial aspect in body composition goals. By calculating it this way, one can accurately predict the target weight that aligns with the desired reduction in body fat while preserving lean mass.