What is body composition?

Body composition refers to the proportions of fat and fat-free mass within the body. It provides a more detailed understanding of a person's physical makeup than simply measuring total body weight. The fat-free mass includes muscles, bones, organs, and other components that are not fat, while body fat includes essential fat and storage fat.

This distinction is important because it affects health, fitness, and performance. For example, an individual may weigh the same as another individual but have a different body composition, leading to different health implications. A higher proportion of fat mass can increase the risk of various health conditions, while a higher proportion of fat-free mass is generally associated with better strength and metabolic health.

The other options, while related to fitness and health, do not accurately define body composition. Total body weight does not provide any insight into the distribution of fat and muscle. Overall fitness level is a broader concept that incorporates various aspects of physical capabilities, and muscle mass relative to body weight only looks at one component of body composition, rather than assessing the overall proportions of fat and fat-free mass.