Does the fat pad mask gains or...

[AF3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close AF3]

does it actually prevent them? This isn't a theory but more of a question to the experts that would have some input.

The reason I ask is that I'm planning on gaining a bit of weight for some lifting-related goals and then cutting back down again (I'm currently around 10 % bodyfat and don't see myself getting over 15 % at any point in the process)

I would expect gaining a bit of bodyfat to perhaps mask some gains I'm making in PE, but am I correct to assume that once I cut down again (in about 15 months from now) that the gains I've made will become visible?

Thanks for your time and best of luck to all,

A

[donjelqer76 Retired ModeratorPEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close donjelqer76]

Yes, the day pad can influence the appearance of gains

This is why measuring BPEL is recommended- it takes the fat pad out of the equation

[AF3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close AF3]

Right, the question is does it actually prevent them?

-A

[AF3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close AF3]

This is why measuring BPEL is recommended- it takes the fat pad out of the equation

Thanks for the respone btw Should I interpret BPEL measurements as a good estimation of what would be currently visible at minimal bodyfat? (i.e. 5-7%)

[donjelqer76 Retired ModeratorPEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close donjelqer76]

Right, the question is does it actually prevent them?

-A

No, a fat pad has no effect on actual gains

Thanks for the respone btw Should I interpret BPEL measurements as a good estimation of what would be currently visible at minimal bodyfat? (i.e. 5-7%)

Not exactly. Even those with low bodyfat can have a significant fat pad - its genetic. There was a post not long ago from a man well over 6 feet tall that weighted less than 160 lbs, yet still had a 2" fat pad.
Depending on your genetics, your fat pad might go away easily with weight loss, and it might not. Even the most genetically lucky guys will still have some fat pad (1/4" or so)