Robert A. McGlohon, Jr. wrote:
> 7%?  That's fantastic!  Congratulations! Isn't that pretty close to the
> percentage bodybuilders shoot for to look "cut?"  Are you comfortable at
> that percentage?
I am actually at 7.8, and also believe that this is a little optimistic
(the health club I have joined uses, in my opinion, a less precise way
of measuring). I would guess I am just over 8%. Bodybuilders shoot for at
most 6%, often less. I don't think anybody shoots for less than 4%. As near
as I can tell 6% (on average) is the lowest healthy level for men and that's
what I am aiming for. I am very comfortable at this level, can still eat a
lot (while low carbing) and not gain fat, but losing these last few pounds
is rather difficult. End up having to starve myself for a day or so (say 1200
calories), then take a break for a while, then repeat. Each time I drop about
1/2 to 1 pound. I am hoping that once I get there (6% that is) I can maintain
it indefinitely without undue difficulty nor health problems. I am also a bit
in the CR camp, so will prolly drop my calories long term a bit.

> I'm still months away from worrying about ideal bodyfat percentages,
> but somehow I had come to believe that most men would be healthy and
> comfortable at 10 percent bodyfat, with women being at about 15 percent
> bodyfat.  Is this wrong?
I think this is about right. For women it's not recommended to go below
12 percent, for men it's lower. I do believe it varies depending on whom
you ask and on your own genetics. For myself I just want to get there for
the sake of 'perfect' shape. (not to mention it's nice to be checked out
at the beach by women half my age :)

Ilya