SUPERSIZE vs superskinny
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Examples of different levels of body fat
Ideal body fat percentage
Calculate your body fat percentage
What is super skinny?
There are two types of body fat:
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SUPERSKINNY?
It is impossible to decrease body fat levels to zero. Essential fat and some storage fat is a required for normal body functioning. This is particularly true for women, in whom very low levels of body fat may cause a disruption/ loss of the menstrual (amenorrhea) cycle, this in turn resulting in an oestrogen deficiency, infertility, hair loss, a decrease in bone density and premature osteoporosis. Generally, any woman who seeks to maintain her body fat levels below 12 – 15 % and/ or trains very heavily will experience this disruption. However, this may also depend on how this body fat percentage was achieved and is maintained. The point of amenorrhea is different for all women, for some it may be at 18%, for others at 16% or 12%. It is important to understand that even with resumption of normal menses, some of the changes that have taken place may be irreversible, such as bone mineral loss (increasing risk of osteoporosis - brittle bones).This is particularly true in adolescence, during which, 60 – 80% of skeletal bone is laid down and consolidated. Low oestrogen levels during this time will causeinhibition of normal pubertal growth and development.
Amenorrhea is never healthy, desirable or acceptable. This is a sign that something is wrong. If you stop menstruating after a period of weight loss, it may be that you have gone too far. Try putting on a little weight to see whether this restores your menses and make an appointment with your general practitioner.
SUPERSIZE?
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Women are considered borderline at a body fat percentage of 30% and clinically obese at 35%, while men are borderline at 25% and obese at 30%.
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High levels of body fat are a risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain cancers and osteoarthritis.
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Excess fat hampers sports performance. A high body fat percentage can act as “dead weight”, thereby resulting in decreased performance in speed, endurance, efficiency of movement, agility, balance and jumping ability.