What does body composition refer to?

Body composition refers to the percentage of fat and lean tissue in the body, making it a comprehensive way to understand an individual's physical makeup. It encompasses not only the total body weight but also the specific distribution of fat and non-fat tissues such as muscles, bones, and organs. This distinction is crucial as it provides insights into one's health and fitness beyond what weight alone might indicate. For example, someone may weigh the same as another person but have a vastly different body composition leading to different health profiles and fitness levels.

Understanding body composition helps in assessing fitness and health risks associated with obesity, muscle mass, and overall physical performance. It is a better indicator of health and metabolic risks than weight alone, as it helps to visualize how much of an individual's body mass is composed of fat compared to lean muscle. This makes it an essential metric in fitness assessments and wellness programs aimed at improving health outcomes.