Lesson 4.1
Body
Composition
By Carone
Fitness
Body Composition
Body composition refers to
the percentage of lean body
mass to fat. Essentially, how
much of your body is made up
of fat and how much is
muscle? It can be dangerous
to have either too high or too
low a percentage of body fat.
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Body Composition
The Right Percentage
A high percentage of body fat puts
people at serious risk for high blood
pressure, heart disease, cancers, and
diabetes. Having too low a percentage
of body fat, however, is also unhealthy.
It can cause problems with your
immune system and nerve functions.
In girls,
girls a lack of essential body fat can
cause problems with their menstrual
cycles and even reproduction.
Body Composition
What Matters Most?
So many people are concerned about
weight but it is really body composition
weight,
that is of the most importance.
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Body Composition
Body Composition
It is possible for some to be in
their recommended weight
range, but not have the
appropriate body fat
percentage.
Likewise, because muscle
weighs more than fat, it is
possible for someone to be
p
above their recommended
weight range, yet have the
appropriate body composition.
Body Composition
Examples
Take Justin, for example. He
weighs slightly more than is
recommended for his age, height,
and
d weight.
i ht H
However, JJustin
ti lifts
lift
weights regularly, plays football,
and eats a healthy diet. When
measuring his body composition,
Justin found that he was in the
appropriate range.
Because muscle weighs more than
fat his increased lean muscle mass
fat,
from lifting weights slightly
increased his overall weight.
Because Justin’s body composition
test shows that he is in the
appropriate range, he should not be
considered overweight.
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Body Composition
The best way to achieve and maintain
an ideal body fat percentage is to
exercise regularly and eat a diet low in
saturated fats and avoid empty calories,
such as candy bars and potato chips.
Presented
By Carone
Fitness
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