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By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com Guide to Sports Medicine since 1998

Body Composition (Body Fat vs. Body Weight)

Wednesday January 16, 2008
Body fat, lean mass and lean-to-fat ratios are always a hot topic in sport and fitness circles. Body Composition is the technical term used to describe the different components that, when taken together, make up a person's body weight. Because scales can't determine the lean-to-fat ratio of that weight, they aren't always the best way to judge if you are 'fit' and they can't always help you monitor the success of your training program.

If you want o know your fat-to-lean ratio you can choose from a variety of Body Composition and Body Fat Analyzers and Scales that provide more than just total weight measurements.

Using bioelectrical impedance analysis these devices determine total weight, the percent and amount of body fat, muscle mass, water, and even bone mass. While the readings can be affected by hydration levels, food intake, skin temperature, and other factors, if you follow the directions and take the reading under similar conditions, you will obtain the best results.

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