Is there an optimum body fat?

[IamFreeSummer2009]

I have read comments by Dr. Bermant where he states that surgery is a fine sculpting tool and that weight loss is coarse tool.  My question is this.  I am currently on a bulking diet and my bf% is in the 16% range.  Am I better off cutting to 10% or so before surgery or is 16% low enough before I go under the knife?

Thanks

[Paa_Paw]

Enter "Body Fat Index" on your search line. You will have to sort through some material, but burried in there somewhere is your answer.

[Noseguard]

I am not a doctor, but from looking at thousands of pics, the best looking results come from the patients who are in good shape.  I think it is easier for the docs find the right natural curves.  Plus you skin will tighten right to your muscles if you have lower body fat.
That being said, 16% body fat is pretty low to begin with.

[Clandestine]

A persons BMI, as obtained via a calculator online for example, is not related at all to someone's body fat percentage.

BMI is a useful tool to assess if someone is over weight enough to be at increased risk of heart problems, diabeties etc. This is where its usefulness ends. The figure given from these calculators is not your body fat percentage.

To measure this, you really need to have a test performed at a gym. The fitness professional will take calliper readings (skin fold measurements) from 4-6 parts of your body and use that to calculate an approximate overall percentage.

For example, my current BMI is 26.5, over weight. However a 6 point calliper test puts me at 20.5% Body fat.

Say a very muscular, extremely lean person were to use the BMI calculator. Pretend he knows his exact BF % as 9%. He's 6'2" and weighs 225lb. Clicking calculate on the BMI calculator would tell him he's too fat, and at risk of disease, although he's probably at less risk than many with an "in range" BMI.

"Is there an optimum body fat %" There is, but it depends on your goals. 20% is fine. The body however is at its most anabolic (will prefer to fuel muscle/muscle growth) in the 10-15% range roughly. Higher BF% will encorage the body to prioritise fat storage. I suppose your body thinks "Hmm... I got quite a bit of fat already, but if I have this much I obviously need it.... a little more maybe, just to be safe..."

16% BF is pretty good, however we all store fat slightly differently. The body works in a "First on, last off" principle. IE if you start off skinny, and as you put on weight you notice your belly gets bigger first, then your chest, then your legs and arms, your belly fat will be the last to go if you shed fat.

You could always ask your doctor at the consultation if you need to loose more body fat. He can advise what's best for you personally.

[DrBermant]

I have read comments by Dr. Bermant where he states that surgery is a fine sculpting tool and that weight loss is coarse tool.  My question is this.  I am currently on a bulking diet and my bf% is in the 16% range.  Am I better off cutting to 10% or so before surgery or is 16% low enough before I go under the knife?

Thanks

In general I recommend that my patients get to a weight / body fat percentage with which they are comfortable.  That number varies from individual to individual.  The exception is for those dealing with extraordinary low body fat such as my Olympic athletes, marathon runners, and bodybuilders.  For these patients, I prefer their "off season" body fat.  Too little fat and options to target gland first are limited.  The only way I can get rid of almost all gland requires a little fat to move into the defect.  We are glad to help our patients explore such issues during their consultation or Preliminary Remote Discussion.

Body Fat Percentage Analysis does not necessarily correlate with Body Mass Calculation  The most accurate way to determine body fat is an Archimedes water displacement tank available to very few and not practical for most.  Calipers have a steep learning curve and are not effective for the loose skin issues after massive weight loss.  The most practical are impedance devices but these are the least accurate.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Breast Surgery

[IamFreeSummer2009]

Thanks Dr. Bermant.  I have the information for the remote package.  I plan to have the consult later this fall with plans for a March 2009 surgery.  I would like to continue this bulk through 2008, cut for about 8 weeks at the start of 2009 and then go under the knife.

[DrBermant]

Thanks Dr. Bermant.  I have the information for the remote package.  I plan to have the consult later this fall with plans for a March 2009 surgery.  I would like to continue this bulk through 2008, cut for about 8 weeks at the start of 2009 and then go under the knife.

We look forward to helping you explore your concerns.  One stress relieving solution many of our patients have been extremely happy with is the Non-Surgical Body Sculpting Compression Garment while they are stabilizing or evolving before surgery.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Chest Surgery