The upcoming Hindi language movie is a biographical sports drama written and directed by Kabir Khan. It has Kartik Aaryan, Shraddha Kapoor, Katrina Kaif in lead roles.Kartik plays the titular role. The actor has shared a couple of posters captioned: The man who refused to surrender.
For the movie, Kartik Aaryan has dropped from 39% body fat to only 7% body fat. Commending the actor’s commitment to the movie Kabir Khan wrote on social media: “The story of Chandu Champion is an incredibly inspiring true story but the journey that Kartik went through to become this champion is no less inspiring. I met him when he had put on weight for a role. He had 39 per cent body fat. I told him that he had to portray an international level multi-disciplinary sportsperson. He just smiled and said “I will do it Sir.” A year and a half later with no use of steroids – something that he was adamant about – we took this photo on set. Body fat 7 per cent!! I’m proud of you.”
While this might interest fitness enthusiasts, it is important to know what body fat is and what happens when you reduce it.
Body fat, or adipose tissue, is an essential component of the human body, serving several critical functions. It is a form of stored energy, providing fuel when the body needs it. Additionally, body fat insulates against cold, cushions and protects internal organs, and plays a vital role in hormone regulation and the functioning of the endocrine system.
There are two main types of body fat: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is necessary for normal physiological function, found in bone marrow, organs, and the central nervous system. For men, essential fat constitutes about 3% of total body weight, while for women, it is around 12%, due to reproductive needs. Storage fat, on the other hand, accumulates in adipose tissue, either under the skin (subcutaneous fat) or around internal organs (visceral fat).
What is the ideal amount of body fat an individual should have?
The ideal amount of body fat varies based on factors such as age, sex, and fitness level. For men, a healthy body fat range is typically 8-19%, while for women, it is 21-33%. Athletes often have lower body fat percentages, ranging from 6-13% for men and 14-20% for women, due to higher muscle mass and physical activity levels. Essential body fat, crucial for normal physiological functions, is about 3-5% for men and 10-13% for women. Maintaining body fat within these ranges supports overall health, metabolic function, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Understanding Blood Pressure and Cholesterol readings
When you reduce body fat, several beneficial changes occur in the body:
- Lowering body fat, particularly visceral fat, can enhance insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
- Reducing body fat decreases the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels (raising HDL and lowering LDL) and lowering blood pressure. This reduces the strain on the heart and blood vessels, promoting overall cardiovascular health.
- Less body fat means less weight to carry around, which can improve physical performance, stamina, and mobility. This is particularly beneficial for athletic activities and daily physical tasks.
- Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can put additional stress on joints, leading to pain and increased risk of conditions like osteoarthritis. Reducing body fat alleviates this stress, potentially improving joint health and reducing pain.
- Fat cells produce hormones like leptin, which regulates hunger. Excess body fat can disrupt normal hormonal balance, leading to conditions like leptin resistance. Reducing body fat helps restore hormonal balance, which can aid in appetite regulation and metabolic processes.
- High body fat levels are associated with chronic inflammation, which can contribute to various diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Lowering body fat can reduce inflammatory markers in the body, promoting overall health.
- Lower body fat levels can have positive effects on mental health. Weight loss and physical fitness improvements are associated with better mood, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced self-esteem.