Should a skinny fat body type person bulk or cut first?

We try to answer the age-old question of whether a person possessing a skinny fat body type should try to bulk or cut first initially

‘Skinny fat’ is a tricky situation for a person to be in. The indication on the weight scale or even by general appearance, it might suggest that the particular person is lean and skinny. However, the actual body fat percentage and the presence of large amount of fat stored in probably the love handles and the appearance of an abdominal belly suggests otherwise.

When somebody finds themselves in this situation, their ultimate goal is to lose that added fat percentage and also look muscular and more defined in a top-heavy approach. The priority is to shift the body ‘s appearance from a pear-shape to an apple-shape.

In order to look leaner and lose the body fat percentage, people need to cut. However, building muscle and the right kind of body mass needs bulking.

This often leaves people confused as to what the right strategy should be for starters. Should they bulk or should they cut?

But before we answer that question, it is important to know what skinny fat really is and how it is caused.

What is skinny fat?

Skinny fat is a phrase that is generally used to describe any person who might appear to be normal in weight or look lean, but actually have a large percentage of fat with very low muscle mass and definition.

The basic calculations for Body Mass Index (BMI) which takes into account the height and weight might see them falling in the healthy range, but the body fat percentage that a skinny fat person possesses is actually unhealthy and can lead to diabetes, cholesterol, back aches, and long-term health problems.

In a skinny fat body, the highest volume of fat is stored around the waist and love handles which may be difficult to burn. Meanwhile, the arms, legs and chest continue to look lean, giving the body a ‘skinny fat’ look.

What are the major causes behind skinny fat?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a person’s skinny fat physique. These factors might work independently or all at the same time:

- Not enough muscle mass due to lack of heavy lifting or actively being involved in physical activities

- Not enough strength training or weight lifting or resistance training

- Diet does not possess enough protein content

- Unhealthy eating and drinking occasionally that contributes to the high body fat percentage

- Being in a calorific deficit for too long which results in the body burning muscle and storing fat instead

- Extended periods of stress releases the hormone cortisol which leads to fat gain

Should a person bulk or cut first when they find themselves in this situation?

Now, coming to the most vital question. Should a skinny fat person bulk of cut first?

The answer is that a person should try to bulk first and a little calorific surplus compared to the usual is needed to build muscle and ensure that one doesn’t gain too much fat while bulking.

The bulking phase can last between three to four months which is then followed by a slow and gradual cutting period where cardio and fat shedding exercises and being in a slight calorific deficit will show positive changes.

The purpose of clean bulking first combined with progressive strength training and weight lifting leads to an increase in muscle mass, which in turn, reduces the body’s fat percentage. The more muscle mass one has, the more energy they expend (and fat that is burnt) even at rest.

Therefore, prioritizing building muscle is extremely important to get out of a skinny fat body type situation. It is also essential to keep in mind that the calorific surplus should be in control in order to avoid over-bulking or putting up too much fat which negates the whole purpose. Consuming a diet high in protein is also vital to building more muscle.