Why is body fat content more important than ideal body weight?

If a person is overweight, it may not necessarily mean that he or she is not fit. If the reason for being overweight is due to muscle mass, then it is quite OK. However, if the reason for being overweight is due to body fat mass, then action is probably needed to lose weight. In this instance body fat percentage can help to distinguish between overweight due to increased muscle mass (no cause for concern) or due to body fat (need to lose weight). A good bathroom body fat scale can measure body fat percentage.