When analyzing your body composition there are two numbers that we pay most attention to: Body Fat & and Fat Free Mass. I figured that for you to gain a better understanding of why these numbers are so important, I should take a few moments to explain what each one is and how we can strive to improve them!
Body Fat Percentage:
This is the percentage of your body that is comprised of fat. Because fat plays an important role in daily body functions, you need a certain amount of fat in order to live to your fullest. Fat is responsible for cushioning joints, protecting organs, regulating body temperature and storing vitamins. While you need a certain amount of fat, too much fat has adverse effects on the body and is associated with health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disorder, arthritis, sleep apnea, and many more. A healthy/desirable Body Fat % range based on your particular age and gender is located on the scale below:
Fat Free Mass:
This is your fat free mass, which is basically everything that is not fat: muscle, water, bone, connective tissue, etc. By increasing this mass you lower your body fat percentage, so look to improve this number by gaining muscle mass or improving bone strength(through impact exercises).
Ultimately, our goal is to have the optimal amount of body fat for maximal efficiency. We lower our health risks by staying in the healthy range, so eating healthy foods low in trans fats and saturated fats partnered with regular exercise are an essential part of your health plan. You can also increase your Fat Free Mass by engaging your muscles in regular resistance training. The more muscle your body has, the more efficiently it burns calories, so you lower body fat % from two angles!
How are you working towards the healthy body fat range? Please share some of the things you do to stay lean and healthy!
Want to know your numbers? Email me at jparsons@goodmeasuremeals.com to set up your Body Comp Analysis!
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