What is the lowest bf% you should stay at?

minick · 11-22-2005, 09:14 AM

Hello everyone....

I have some questions on BF%. How low should you stay with your bf% to be healthy.... I mean if you are low enough to loss your period and can maintain that should you? I am by no means getting ready to compete... but my bf% has gone down to where i did not have a period last month and is still reading about the same.... So I am assuming i might not have a period again this month... So i want to get it back up to have one but what percentage is that for a female to still look lean but still be able to have a period?

Thanks

Miranda · 11-22-2005, 10:14 AM

the leanest you can be without getting health problems is 12%

fit123 · 11-22-2005, 11:24 AM

well, last time I got my bodyfat measured it was 19% and lost my period for 4 months.

Now, I just recently measured it myself and came at 18% and my period came back. I think it might have been a combination of bf and weight (when i got it measured I was at the lowest weight I have ever been and now I know I gained some back.) or when they measured it the first time they really goofed up!

not sure what's going on really...I guess I should get it measured again by the same person to see where I am now....

Miranda · 11-22-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fit123

well, last time I got my bodyfat measured it was 19% and lost my period for 4 months.

Now, I just recently measured it myself and came at 18% and my period came back. I think it might have been a combination of bf and weight (when i got it measured I was at the lowest weight I have ever been and now I know I gained some back.) or when they measured it the first time they really goofed up!

not sure what's going on really...I guess I should get it measured again by the same person to see where I am now....

a lot has to do with your diet, physical stress (activity versus food intake) and the type of fats you're taking. when i was anorexic i lost my period for a year. when it came back i was irregular for a very long time (6-7 weeks cycle). it wasn't until i started to eat well (regular meals, enough protein etc.) that everything became normal again. i'm 15-17% now and function like a clockwork.

imperfectly_lou · 11-22-2005, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miranda

the leanest you can be without getting health problems is 12%

I really think it depends on the individual. Some women are fine at 12% whereas others, such as a friend of mine, starts to experience health problems once she drops under 18%. Its completely individual

Aurora · 11-23-2005, 06:11 AM

I think it depends what your "set point" is too. After awhile, if you stay at 10% long enough, your body will adjust to it.

And if your used to having high bodyfat, then same thing.

But I really think you can change your set point.

Miranda · 11-23-2005, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

Its completely individual

true. i was speaking in general terms. as for getting problems with menstruation etc, adequate nutrition is crucial.