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?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

For the purpose of determining one's state physical fitness, body composition is often used as a contributing indicator and is measured via the ratio between fat tissue and muscle tissue.   Maintaining a higher level of muscle than fatty tissue keeps the metabolism functioning at a higher level because muscle burns more energy and fat.  Ironically, muscle tissue can even burn fat as a fuel source.  Therefore, the presence of more of muscle tissue is indicative of a higher level of physical fitness.  

The density of muscle tissue is higher than that of fat tissue.  Therefore, a person with a significantly higher ratio of muscle to fatty tissue, may actually weight more than another person of equal size whose ratio is of fat to muscle is higher.

As a general rule, one would expect that the individual with a greater amount of muscle tissue is in better physical condition.  However, it is important to remember that moderation, even in the amount of muscle tissue, is preferred.  The human body needs fat, as it is an essential building block for the nervous system, provides insulation, acts as a shock absorber for organs, and is an excellent source of fuel.