So you’re really committed and ready for those abs? Let’s look at how long it might take to get into ab-revealing shape based on beginning body fat percentage. This chart from the American Council on Exercise can give you a better sense of what different body fat percentage ranges look like: Men on the other hand, need less body fat and naturally have more lean muscle tissue (thanks, testosterone 🙌) which helps them drop weight faster.ĭudes are simply burning more calories, even at rest, because of this muscle mass. Science points out most of this is due to the hormone estrogen, and to support fertility. Women naturally require more fat than men. It’s also important to note that unless you’re a professional bodybuilder or elite athlete, you don’t need to be below the 10 percent point for your abs to be in view. Your body will NOT like being here and will likely try every trick in the book to get you to eat more because it thinks you’re starving. Getting (and staying) below 10 percent body fat may look aesthetically divine (ow ow!), but this takes dedication and discipline.

There’s a lot of noise and misinformation in the food and exercise world, and it’s important to be sure you’re on the best plan for your individual needs.įor starters, the ideal body fat percentage to see your midsection muscles pop is 14 to 19 percent for women and 6 to 13 percent for men. It’s also a good idea to consult a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer or exercise professional before beginning any nutrition and fitness plan. So, unveiling your abs can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Mekhi Baldwin

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