Question

Why do you think body composition focuses on the ratio of fatty tissue to other body tissue? Why is body composition not related to weight? Which do you feel is a more accurate representation of a person's health? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Fat is a quite simple component to measure. Increased or above normal/ average body fat has been proven to be linked with many health risks. Body weight is not always an accurate indication of body composition. If you were to equate an NFL running back who is 5' 10" and weighs 200 lbs, to a 5'10" 200 lbs. banker, there body composition would be VERY unalike although there weight is exactly the same. Of course the football player is healthier, because he is perhaps carrying one third of the body fat as the banker of the same weight. Maintaining that muscle mass would also infer healthy habits like nutrition and exercise.