Powerlifting: Are you eating enough?!

[tank]

In general, is the presence of body fat, let's say over 15%, an indication that a powerlifter is eating enough to gain size/weight?

Does body fat % have to start dropping to indicate a need to eat more?

Is it possible to maintain a certain level of body fat while still not eating enough to gain size/weight?


I hope my point is clear, and that I phrased this series of questions properly.

[LtL]

Powerlifters generally aren't concerned by bodyfat percentage. What we care about is how close we are to our weight class limit and how strong we are.

As a general rule of thumb: if you're a powerlifter trying to gain weight and you think you aren't eating enough, eat more

LtL

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by tank

In general, is the presence of body fat, let's say over 15%, an indication that a power lifter is eating enough to gain size/weight?

If I understand this question, correctly, the answer is no. Because the question is far too general, and does not take into account the individual particulars (genetics, and other aspects that are important) of the power lifter.

Does body fat % have to start dropping to indicate a need to eat more?

No. One can lose muscle and not lose any fat tissue at all; exampling a possible deficit of some sort (macros/calories). And, one can maintain BF, and increase muscle mass.

Is it possible to maintain a certain level of body fat while still not eating enough to gain size/weight?

Yes. This can depend on the person and many personal particulars (such as training or not, length of dietary trend, size of deficits, etc, etc) taken into consideration, but after a time, the body does make metabolic adaptions (slows down metabolic expensive biological processes, while speeding up others), and one's MT-line can change over time (due to weight and other considerations), In addition, the body does not discriminate, it WILL eat muscle just as much as fat for dinner to maintenance itself. And, dependent on the diet/macros (and activity, genetics) it is POSSIBLE that the body can partition calories for use in muscle wasting (eating) than fat, thus leaving BF about the same, while losing muscle (for example). It just DEPENDS. IMHO.

[Shadowschmadow]

You should do a lot of reading... Answers to your questions don't always supply the reason why, which is often more important than the answer itself.

[Fazc]

Just going to throw this out there to add to what's been said already:

Soviet Height - Weight Chart - Weightlifting Exchange

[bruteforce]

I'm with Chillen on this one. It really depends on the person. I'm still able to drop fat and add strength currently. Others may not be. If you're within a couple pounds of the upper limit of your weight class, then you may need to look at other things to improve recovery. In general though, if you have to ask " Am I eating enough" then the answer is no.

[big_swede]

I really like porkchops.

[bruteforce]

Originally Posted by big_swede

I really like porkchops.

They are delicious. I grilled 5 of them Saturday, all are gone now...

[Chillen]

I like Grilled Peanut Butter/chocolate whey Pita pockets...

[Mr.Silverback]

Originally Posted by tank

In general, is the presence of body fat, let's say over 15%, an indication that a powerlifter is eating enough to gain size/weight?

Does body fat % have to start dropping to indicate a need to eat more?

Is it possible to maintain a certain level of body fat while still not eating enough to gain size/weight?


I hope my point is clear, and that I phrased this series of questions properly.

No..IMO

No...IMO

Yes...IMO

Reason being because the body is designed to self preserve and will hold on to anything if it feels its not being adequately fed. Generally PLers arent concerned about BF as they are strength, is this always good? Depends on you! However, do think that these guys are far from healthy or athletic! I know a few that will surprise you ;-) I am rambling because I am full, so I hope I was a bit clear!

Again this is just my perspective as I am a trainer,nutritionist, and PLer and I have varied in weight (320-220s) Bottomline though it all depends on YOU!