What does the term 'body composition' refer to?

The term 'body composition' specifically refers to the ratio of muscle to fat in the body. This concept is important because it helps to understand the distribution of different types of tissues that make up an individual’s body. A healthy body composition usually indicates a higher proportion of muscle relative to fat, which can be crucial for overall health and fitness.

Body composition provides insight into metabolic health, fitness, and performance capability, distinguishing it from merely total body weight, which does not provide detailed information about how much of that weight is fat versus muscle. Therefore, it's much more informative when assessing health risks and setting fitness goals. Understanding body composition can assist individuals in making informed decisions about their exercise and diet plans to achieve desired health outcomes.