What does body composition refer to?

Body composition specifically focuses on the relative percentages of fat mass and lean mass in the body. This concept is crucial for understanding overall health, fitness, and performance levels, as it provides insight into not just how much a person weighs, but what that weight consists of.

Lean tissue includes muscles, bones, organs, and water, whereas fat tissue refers to the adipose tissue. A healthy body composition typically features a higher proportion of lean tissue compared to fat tissue, which is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases and improved physical performance.

Understanding body composition helps fitness professionals tailor exercise and nutrition programs to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals, whether it be weight loss, muscle gain, or overall health improvement.