Once upon a time you simply stepped on the scales if you wanted to know what your physical condition was like. But weight – measured by body mass index (BMI) – is an insidious measure. For example, very tall or muscular people are often labeled as overweight. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? Officially obese. And that explains why we are now massively looking at our body fat percentage to track our progress.
Is a low fat percentage healthy?
The ratio of fat to lean mass is a much more reliable indicator of health. It’s not perfect. But if more than a quarter of your body weight is made up of fat, you’re more at risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Over 28 percent, things get even more terrible. But back to the question :. How much can you dry yourself before people can see right through you?
The answer is in your genes. “A healthy body fat percentage varies from person to person,” says personal trainer Mark Ross. “Some men may be healthy with a very low fat percentage, others not.” Although a remarkably defined body requires an average body fat percentage of between five and fifteen percent, you are truly seen as dry with single-digit body fat only, Ross says. And it’s not easy to maintain. If you want to go below your natural level, you will need to have tough discipline.
“It’s impossible without making a 24/7 effort and having full concentration,” he preaches. Say goodbye to takeaway meals and drinks on Friday afternoons. Fat is an organ (did you know that?) And your body needs a certain amount to function. With no fat reserves, your immune system takes a hit, your testosterone level drops, and your metabolism slows down. Drop below five percent and you even risk damaging your nervous system and brittle bones at best.
So, if you really want nothing more than visible abs, aim for ten to fourteen percent body fat. This is the best way to combine good health with the aesthetic image you have in mind. But don’t forget to keep enjoying life.
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