Body fat is generally considered by many to be detrimental to the health. However, only visceral abdominal fat correlates with disease because it is indicative of the presence of metabolic syndrome. Such fat is a symptom of metabolic dysfunction, and typifies an insulin resistant, hyperlipidaemic, hyperglycaemic condition. In contrast. subcutaneous fat in the periphery is not disease causing because it is a store of fuel. However, such fat is generally detrimental to some athletic endeavours that involve running, jumping and changes of direction. This is because fat adds mass to the body which creates inertia, but at the same time provides no benefits to performance. Some sports have been researched and shown to benefit from subcutaneous fat, particularly ones involving momentum. Weightlifting and contact sports such as rugby and american football fit into this category, and additional mass can be beneficial here. Some long distance swimmers also benefit from the buoyancy and insulation provided by subcutaneous fat.
However, some sports have been researched and shown to benefit from subcutaneous fat, particularly ones involving momentum. Weightlifting and contact sports such as rugby and american football fit into this category, and additional mass can be beneficial here. Some long distance swimmers also benefit from the buoyancy and insulation provided by subcutaneous fat. Another advantage of gaining body fat is that with it often comes muscle. This is particularly true if resistance type training is performed during times of overeating. High calorie intakes cause increases in testosterone and other anabolic hormones such as insulin, and this can facilitate considerable muscle growth1. This is often the strategy employed in strength athletes during particular hypertrophy phases of their training. It is generally accepted that the fat can be lost at a later date when other training goals are prioritised.
