Body Fat
Humans all have body fat(BF), even the most '8-packed' of us. It can
seem as if the whole world is going fat-free mad at times, how safe
is it though to be fat-free?
I have mentioned before about the 3 major fuels used by our bodies:
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. For the sake of this article I
will try not to focus on the other vitamins and minerals (also gases
and water) we need to be healthy. Out of the three major fuels we
have for use as energy the body also uses the fuels to transport
certain hormones, vitamins and minerals through the bloodstream to
allow us to stay as healthy as possible. This is great when the body
is in balance, but when the body loses its balance, it is when we can
get sick.
Currently, there seems to be a big desire towards getting a 6-pack,
this is amidst a time when worldwide humans are becoming more obese
than ever before. There are current guidelines for what is an ideal
body fat level, although it can change between male and female. Some
hormones like oestrogen are more easily created and distributed
through a body carrying slightly more fat. In women, therefore, it
has been suggested that body fat should not fall below about 20% of total
weight. Men also need to be aware that dropping to a level too low
for their organs to be functioning at an optimum can cause a whole
range of health issues also, psychologically and physically. I will
more than likely write some more articles on this in the future as to
write an informative article under 500 words on this is not going to
happen in one article. You can check the following guide though to
what is currently thought to be good fat percentages.
Most people are also aware of the problems associated with having too
much body fat. It is important to find a place where you are
balanced if you wish to be healthy. You will also find that when you
can maintain a good balance of fat percentage you won't look fat.
Most people actually get comments about how healthy they are looking
when managing to maintain a balanced BF percentage.
The elusive
'6-pack' may be quite visible in some people at 20% BF, while others
may not show any rectus abdominal muscles below 8% or even lower. So
accepting our bodies for the shape they are is important. Taking a
responsible approach to eating and exercise is also a very important
factor to our health, especially when it seems you may be working
yourself harder than usual at your job.
A daily exercise programme
should help you to 'tone' your muscles and a good diet should allow
you to maintain a good balance of fat percentage. Combined, this
should help you to maintain optimum health and physical and mental
ability without any need for worry about 'fashionable abs'.
As always contact me or leave comments if you would like to discuss any health related queries.
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