We often think one of the most important measures of health is stepping on a scale. While a scale can report your overall weight, it cannot provide a body composition analysis. A body composition analysis gives you a more comprehensive look at what that number of the scale means.
There is no denying that obesity is a problem in the US. It is estimated by 2030 that about 115 million adults will be classified as obese. A body composition analysis delivers the information you need to understand what that extra weight really means.
Overweight Can Mean Different Things
There is a huge difference between carrying around 20 extra pounds of muscle and 20 extra pounds of artery-clogging fat. Scales only give you part of the picture. Everyone has seen the height-weight charts that average out how much someone should weigh based on their height. These charts are useful but not necessarily accurate without a BCA.
If you have a body composition analysis done, it gives you a clearer picture of what the weight means and what it is made up of.
BCA Breaks Down the Body Into Parts
There are several factors involved in gauging weight, including fat mass, muscle mass, water weight, bone mass. Each of the factors plays a role in your fitness level and what that number on the scale truly means.
A full BCA breaks down the parts of your body that play a role in your weight and your overall health. BMI is one of the most popular BCA indicators.
BMI May Be Helpful
Body Mass Index is a more comprehensive measure of what weight means than the number on the scale. The Body mass index can give you an idea of how much extra fat you might be carrying on your body. Your BMI can also indicate that, while your scale may lean toward the higher side of weight, you are still fit. A low BMI is associated with fitness.
How Is Body Composition Determined?
There are several different methods used for body composition analysis. A skin fold test uses calipers to gather and measure the skin and the fat underneath it and determine composition based on that measurement. Hydrostatic weight (underwater weighing) is another method. Air displacement, DEXA scan, and bioelectrical impedance are all methods to gauge body composition.
Don't let the scale alone direct your fitness planning. A comprehensive body composition analysis gives you more accurate information. If you're interested in learning more about your body's composition, contact us today.