Re:Scientist busts myths about how humans burn calories
by dpark on Thursday February 17, 2022 @11:38PM
(#30382189)
> Michael Phelps I think is at a 5% body fat
No way. 5% is well below optimal for athletic performance. At 5% you’re looking at developing health problems. This is the range bodybuilders aim for on stage because they care about looking shredded more than they care about having joints that work.
Phelps was reportedly 8% when he won all those medals in Beijing.
I think you are missing the fundamental part of the article about the calorie expenditures being adjusted based on non-fat body mass.
So, yes Michael Phelps eats a lot of calories, but him (and other pro athletes) have spent their lives building muscle and keeping fat reserves down. Michael Phelps I think is at a 5% body fat, while the average American is 18%+. He needs more calories for that extra body mass that most people the same height don't have.