Does possession of a certain quantity of bodyfat effect the body’s capacity to build muscle? Or is it an irrelevant factor?
In order to build muscle, which adds weight to the body, a caloric surplus and sufficient protein intake is required. If bodyfat is sufficiently high however, the body can utilize the energy produced from the breakdown of that fat to build muscle even while in a deficit. This is of course not possible with a lower bodyfat percentage.
Powerlifters and Bodybuilders alike seem to build more muscle while their bodyfat is higher. And while lean and thin people are certainly capable of building muscle too, is it really at the same potential rate of development?
As a disclaimer, I’m not asking exclusively if there are massive differences between the various ranges of bodyfat, I’m asking if there is any research or evidence showing that notable differences (small or large) exist.