In the world of health and fitness, we often hear about weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) as indicators of our health. But did you know that these values are far from giving the full picture? Weight and BMI tell us nothing about the proportions in our bodies, such as how much fat, muscle, bone and water we have. We call this body composition. In this blog, we explain what body composition is, how it is measured, and why it is much more relevant to your health than just weight or BMI.

What is body composition?

Body composition is the ratio of different components that make up your body. Specifically, it is the percentage of fat mass and the percentage of lean mass (muscle, bone, water and organs). Whereas weight is just one number, and BMI only looks at weight in relation to height, body composition offers a more detailed insight into your physical health.  

Good body composition usually means a lower percentage of fat and a higher percentage of lean mass. This balance is important because muscle mass helps support your metabolism and strength, while too high a percentage of fat poses risks, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

How is body composition measured?

There are several ways to measure body composition, each with their own benefits:

• Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA): This is the technology behind the InBody Dial. BIA involves sending a safe, weak electric current through your body. Because water in muscle conducts electricity better than fat, the InBody Dial can accurately estimate your fat and muscle mass. This is an accessible way to regularly measure and track your body composition at home.

• DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry): A DEXA scan is often considered the gold standard because it gives a very accurate measurement of fat, muscle and bone density. The downside is that this scan is often only available in hospitals and specialist clinics and can be quite expensive.

• Hydrostatic weighing: This involves immersing the body in water. Fat is lighter than muscle mass, so by measuring buoyancy, one can determine the ratio of fat to muscle mass. This method is also accurate, but less practical for regular use.

Each of these methods offers valuable insights, but for most people a home option like the InBody Dial is ideal because of its convenience and accessibility.

Why body composition is more important than just BMI or weight

BMI only gives an approximation of your body weight in relation to your height but says nothing about exactly what that weight means. For example, someone with a lot of muscle mass can have a high BMI without being overweight. Moreover, weight per se can fluctuate due to temporary changes in fluid levels, without saying anything about your overall health.

Measuring body composition helps to get a better picture of your health because it distinguishes between fat and muscle. For example, an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass are positive even if your weight remains stable. By focusing on the balance between fat and muscle, you can better assess your fitness and metabolic health.

How can understanding body composition contribute to a healthier life?

Measuring your body composition regularly provides insight that you can use to improve your lifestyle and health. Here are some ways in which understanding body composition can help:

• Targeted health goals: By knowing your body composition, you can set specific goals, such as reducing fat mass or building muscle.
• Effective training and nutrition: A balanced body composition makes it easier to make appropriate choices for nutrition and exercise. For example, if you want to build muscle mass, you know that strength training and adequate protein intake are important.
• Healthy ageing: Maintaining muscle mass is important as we age because it helps maintain strength and mobility. Reducing excess fat can help prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Conclusion

Body composition is a valuable way of understanding your health, much more accurate than weight or BMI alone. By understanding the proportions of fat and muscle mass, you can make better choices for diet, exercise and overall health. With the InBody Dial, you can easily and regularly measure your body composition and track your progress. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle or simply improve your health, knowing your body composition is the first step to success.