What are the pros and cons of low body fat percentage?

I have 6% body fat and am wondering what the advantages/good things are about this and then any downsides. Thanks. I'm a male.

Public Comments

1. unlikely to have as much chance to get cancer or heart diseases.
2. the only downside is that you cant swim because you wont be able to float if you dont have enough, everything else is good i guess.
3. I don;t know if your male or female, but I have low body fat percentage and I haven't had my period in about 8 months. So that could be a pro and a con!
4. you don't have as much heating in your body. Skinny = Healthy Fat = Unhealthy Scrawny = Unhealthy You want to be skinny, not anorexic... I pride myself in being thin, and being in a vegan diet that keeps me healthy.
5. it could cause a problem if it gets too low, the only thing you may have to worry about is easily bruising, or breaking bones bc you dont have enough fatty tissue to protect them. if your body fat gets way too low it could cause certain organ failure and other undesired effects, depending on how much muscle fiber you have also.
6. My dad got cancer and he didn't have enough fat on his bones to survive the treatment, if you do get really sick it's better to have a little fat to carry you through.On the other hand I'm sure you feel great and energetic now.
7. At 6% body fat, it is considered pretty low, but still healthy. As long as you don't drop below 6% for long periods of time, you will have benefits such as less risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced chance of stroke and some cancers. It also can have beneficial psychological effects, such as higher self esteem and increased confidence. HTH : )