What does the term "body composition" refer to?

The term "body composition" refers specifically to the ratio of body fat to lean body tissue, which includes muscles, bones, water, and other components. Understanding body composition is crucial because it provides insight into an individual's overall health beyond just their weight. While weight alone may indicate body mass, it does not differentiate between fat and lean mass.

Measuring body composition can help identify whether a person has a healthy balance of fat and lean tissue, which has implications for physical fitness, health risk, and athletic performance. For example, a person may weigh the same as another but have significantly different body compositions, indicating different health profiles. This makes assessing body composition a critical component in sports medicine and health evaluations, as it can inform training regimens, dietary needs, and potential health risks associated with excess body fat or inadequate muscle mass.