4-5% BF sustained...

[horsepwr]

I have always heard, & read, that it is not healthy to sustain a very low body-fat percentage. I figure that it would not be on the more healthy side, to have a 3-5% bf for several months. But is it really harmful to your body? If so, what, &/or how, is it bad for you?

[Strella]

Re: 4-5% BF sustained...

your internal organs are protected by fat, if it is too low for too long it can cause problems stemming from that. Other than that you will prob be pretty dam tired all the time and have no energy in the gym and struggle just to try to maintain your muscle which prob will not happen anyway. Basically you need some fat IMO to build muscle. You can still stay relatively lean, just not 3-5%, unless you are a Kenyan olympic steeple chase runner.

[daved150]

Re: 4-5% BF sustained...

ya...i think 7-9 would be more realistic....i'm not below 8, im pretty sure, and i already lost alot of strength!! i can imagine being 3-5!!!

[MxxC82]

Re: 4-5% BF sustained...

well if any of you need some BF i will gladly give some of mine away! This is a good question though horsepwr, i want to be and look lean but how much is too much?

[horsepwr]

Re: 4-5% BF sustained...

I am going to make an appointment and see what the problem is. I am loosing muscle and there is no way I'm over 5%. I have cuts I didn't even know existed. And talk about "thin-skin". You can see the veins in my scalp. too damn good when I get my blood flowing. My hats are too big even.
It has been dog-days hot since May. Ususally doesn't get that hot til mid July. I am having to go & go, but I'm still hitting the food. Even stepped up the fat, sodium, etc...It's gotten crazy. I am having dizzy spells. I almost passed out sitting at this desk earlier today.
I have no idea though???