I modeled a generic human body with the boneloops, muscleloops and fatloops. By this way I can modify the shape on zbrush with UVs already done and adjust this UV after. Fixing the distortions. It is very easy and fast.
I used a base mesh too, because I already modeled a several characters before, and I only recomend use a base mesh, if you have good knowledge about anatomy and organic modeling.
If you don�t have that, for your studies, is better build everything starting without base mesh.