Lean tissue is lost at a greater rate than fat. Why is it more important to know the amount body fat as opposed to just a person's weight? Weight alone does not determine a person's health. Excess body fat puts one at risk for diseases and illness. Click to see full answer. Consequently, what is more important weight or body composition?
Why is body fat more important than weight?
Keeping body fat low is more important for healthy aging than a low overall weight, researchers report this week in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. A separate study found young people who aren't physically fit are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life even if their weight is healthy.
Why is it important to know your body weight or body composition?
Body composition tells us what the body is made up of, looking at everything from water, body fat to lean muscle mass. There are several reasons why body composition is important. After all, measuring body composition allows us to improve our health, fitness and quality of life.
Why is it important to know the fat?
Understanding your body fat percentage has uses outside of fitness, too. Keeping your body fat percentage at a healthy level can help reduce your likelihood of getting serious health risks, specifically, heart disease. Heart disease is most often caused by a buildup of plaque on the walls of your arteries.
What is the difference between body weight and body fat?
Body fat is the portion of your total weight that is fatty (adipose) tissue. Body weight includes body fat and all other components of your body including bone, organs, fluid, muscle, etc. Body fat is typically shown as a percentage of your total weight.
Why is it important to have both fat mass and fat-free mass?
Fat mass and fat-free mass show opposing associations with mortality. Excess fat mass is related to increased mortality risk, whereas fat-free mass protects against risk of mortality.
What does body fat tell you?
Research on body fat percentage has improved in recent years, and in some cases, this measurement may provide a better picture of an individual's risk of weight-related diseases than BMI. Body fat percentage distinguishes fat from muscle and calculates the percentage of body fat in the body.
How to reduce body fat percentage?
Getting at least two strength-training sessions each week in addition to aerobic exercise can help build muscle and further reduce body fat percentage. Cut down on calories. Even small steps, like replacing chips and crackers with carrot sticks, cutting down on sugary snacks, and replacing soda with water, can help bring your calorie count down ...
Why do older people have a higher BMI?
Older individuals may also exhibit a higher BMI than expected due to declining muscle mass.
How to calculate BMI?
To calculate your own BMI, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide that number by your height in inches and divide that answer by your height in inches one more time.
