When we discuss health and fitness, everyone starts discussing their body weight. We all regularly track our body weight, but how many of us focus on the composition of that body weight?
The human body comprises water, protein, fats, and minerals. It is important to track body composition because two people of the same height and weight have different fat and muscle levels. This variation can contribute to different health concerns.
Ideal body composition is the ability of an individual to maintain the ideal ratio of adipose tissue (fat) to lean body mass.
While a scale measures body weight, it doesn't provide insight into the distribution of fat and muscle mass in our bodies. A healthy body comprises lower fat and higher muscle mass. Excessive body fat increases the risk of conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and various other health issues.
What constitutes the ideal body composition?
As we know, our body weight should maintain an ideal ratio of fats and muscles for a healthier life. Now, the question arises:
What is the optimal ratio of fat to muscle?
Does the ratio differ between males and females?
How about the difference between the general population and athletes?
Indeed, the ratio varies between males and females, as well as between athletes and the general population. The ideal body composition according to ACE (American Council on Exercise) is as follows:
