The human body is unique, and the way it stores and burns fat varies for everyone. The rectus abdominis muscle, which is what we commonly refer to as the “six-pack,” can sometimes be more pronounced in some individuals, even if they have a higher percentage of body fat. This can be due to genetics, the way your specific body stores fat, or the type of training you’ve done in the past.
One possibility is that while you’ve developed your abdominal muscles effectively, there’s a layer of subcutaneous fat (the fat directly under the skin) covering them. This layer of fat can mask the definition of your muscles. Just because you can see some definition does not mean you don’t have fat in that area. Many people have strong abdominal muscles underneath a layer of fat. Remember, having a visible six-pack doesn’t necessarily equate to low overall body fat.
Another factor to consider is where your body prefers to store fat. Some people naturally store more fat in their hips, thighs, or arms, while others might store it around their midsection. It’s possible for someone to have a pronounced six-pack but still carry extra fat in other areas of their body.
Additionally, the overall thickness and development of your rectus abdominis can play a role. If you’ve heavily targeted and trained this muscle group, it may protrude more, giving the appearance of a six-pack even if there’s still a fat layer present.
While having a visible six-pack is an indication of developed abdominal muscles, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a low overall body fat percentage. It’s crucial to focus on total body fitness and fat loss, rather than just targeting one specific area, to achieve a balanced and healthy physique.