Body Composition And Its Impacts On Health

There is a connection between body composition and health that ranges from morbidity and mortality to longevity, immunity, athletic performance, and high functioning. Analysis of the body’s composition can be among the tools employed for therapeutic, preventative, and research-related applications. In the human body, body composition analysis is the assessment of the clinical condition of tissues and fluid compartments. Fat Mass is the sum of stored fats (fat) within the body. It is comprised of the following kinds of fat:

The Importance of a Body Composition Analysis: Elmer R Symonett, MD:  Medical Weight Loss

Image Source Google

Subcutaneous fat is located just beneath the skin. This kind of fat acts as a reserve of energy and acts as an insulation from cold temperatures.

Visceral fat is located deeper in the body. It functions as a source of energy as well as a cushion between the organs.

Fat-Free Mass (FFM) often referred to as Lean Body Mass (LBM) is the total quantity of fat-free (Lean) components of our body. The fat-free mass is around 73 % water, 20 percent protein, 6 percent mineral, and 1 percent ash.

The Body Cell Mass (BCM) is one of the metabolically active tissues. They are the living cells in the body, including organ cells, muscle cells blood cells, and immune cells. It also contains the “living” portion of fat cells, but not the fat-soluble lipids stored in them. Intracellular fluid (ICW) in cells is present in BCM. Potassium is an electrolyte that makes up this intracellular water.

Extracellular Mass (ECM) comprises all of the metabolism inactive (non-living) elements of the body, such as bones, minerals, and plasma. The water that is not contained in living cells is part of the extracellular water. The primary electrolyte found inside this area is sodium.

As we have mentioned previously the use of body composition can be found in therapeutic, preventative, and research purposes. It is possible to determine the following by using analysis of body composition:

  1. Evaluation of Nutritional Status and Anti-Aging Therapy
  2. Physical performance assessment
  3. Management of weight
  4. Obesity
  5. Assessment of Nutrition and Fluids
  6. Geriatrics
  7. Lifestyle Assessment