How would you define body composition?

Body composition refers to the nutritional and physical state of an individual as determined by the ratio of different components in the body, primarily fat mass versus lean mass. This definition emphasizes the importance of understanding not just how much a person weighs but how that weight is distributed between fat and muscle, bone, and other tissues.

This distinction is crucial because body composition impacts overall health and fitness. A lower body fat percentage coupled with a higher percentage of lean mass is generally associated with better physical performance and health outcomes. Monitoring changes in body composition can provide a more accurate picture of an individual's fitness progress and health than weight alone.

Options that suggest definitions based on total weight, body shape, or general fitness level do not capture the specific and essential details of what body composition entails. These aspects are related but do not convey the fundamental concept of how fat and lean mass contribute to an individual's physical makeup.