Most of us have seen the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale which labels us as underweight, healthy, overweight or obese based on our height and sex. While these may seem like an easy way to assess baseline health, an important factor is left out – what that weight consists of.
Body composition analysis does what BMI cannot by breaking down a person’s body weight into fat, muscle, and bone. These components can then be evaluated individually, as well as in relation to each other, to provide a much more accurate picture of health, metabolic function and longevity.
A certain amount of essential fat is necessary for protecting organs and maintaining hormonal health. High levels of excess fat, however, are linked to great risk of disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Additionally, our bodies need a sufficient amount of healthy muscle to aid metabolism, support movement, and contribute to long-term mobility. Because muscle tissue is denser than fat, two individuals with identical weights and heights can have vastly different body compositions, appearances, and health risks.
Age and sex also factor into the equation. The dietary and exercise needs of a 25 year old working to build and maintain healthy muscle can vary greatly from those of a 45 year old. And while age-related muscle loss begins around 30 for both sexes, hormonal changes such as menopause lead to much more rapid decline in muscle, and increase in body fat percentage. Preventing loss of muscle mass, and also bone mass, can help mitigate the mobility issues that show up in later years.
Framework’s providers utilize body composition tests – such as DEXA scans – to review bone density, muscle mass, and body fat ratios. From there, an individualized approach can be developed to help you pursue your health goals, be it more muscle, lower body fat %, reversing bone loss or reducing heart disease risk. The most successful plans also take into account personal preferences for physical activity and foods.
Feeling strong and taking steps to optimize your health is worthwhile at every age and size. Looking deeper than BMI and body weight is essential for taking the best possible care of your body.