When it comes to measuring your health status or fitness level, there’s no shortage of metrics out there, which makes figuring out which ones actually matter confusing. One number you might want to consider, especially when it comes to health: body fat percentage. This metric plays a key role in energy storage and hormone function, and it can even play a role in running performance. Too much or too little body fat can negatively affect your well-being, which is why understanding yours may offer more meaning than tracking weight or BMI. Discover why understanding body fat percentage matters for runners, and the five best ways to measure it. Why Does Body Fat Percentage Matter? As mentioned, body fat is necessary for basic physiological functions. But like many aspects of fitness, maintaining balance is key. Research links excess body fat to higher risk of all-cause mortality and heart disease mortality.…