Let us learn more about the often spoken “healthy body composition” by starting at how body composition is viewed. We refer to the percentages of fat, bone and muscle as the ‘body composition’. It is important to note that compared to fat tissues, muscular tissues occupy less space in our body. A lean body is therefore determined by the body composition and body weight. Thus, two individuals may look very different from each other even if they have the same weight and height measurements because of the difference in their body composition.

So, what is a “healthy body composition”? Your body composition is defined by the lean and fat tissues in your body, so obviously, your body composition determines your health. Body fat is categorised into essential fat, storage fat and non-essential fat. For normal body function, both the essential and stored fat are necessary. Male persons are considered obese once their body fat exceeds 25%; for females, they are considered obese once their body fat exceeds 30%.

It is known that people with high body fat compositions have almost three times more incidence of injuries to their knees, backs and ankles than those with healthy body composition. As such, excess body fat can directly or indirectly cause health complications. Athletes and muscular individuals have lower body fat percentages and are known for their physical endurance.

Here’s an additional important piece of information: adopt a permanently healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your healthy body composition in the long term.