Body composition
Body composition assessment in Munich
Body composition distinguishes, among other factors, muscle mass, fat mass and their distribution. It can describe health and training more precisely than weight alone, but depends on the measurement method, hydration and comparable conditions.
At a glance
Key facts
- Do not equate weight with body fat
- Assess muscle mass and fat distribution separately
- Consider measurement error and daily conditions
- Track changes under conditions that are as similar as possible
Beyond BMI
The same weight can mean different things.
A strong, trained person and someone with low muscle mass may have the same BMI. For prevention, performance development and healthy aging, body composition is therefore often more informative than a single number on the scale.
Comparability
The method determines accuracy.
Bioelectrical impedance, skinfold measurements and imaging methods work differently. Particularly when tracking progress, the device, time of day, food intake and hydration should be comparable so that apparent changes are not merely measurement noise.
Common questions
Answers to common questions.
Which measurement method is best?
That depends on the question and required accuracy. For tracking progress, a consistently performed and sufficiently reliable method is often more important than switching between methods.
Is less body fat always better?
No. Very low values can impair health and performance. Appropriate ranges depend on factors including sex, age, sport and medical circumstances.
Author and medically responsiblePD Dr. med. Daniel P. BertholdSpecialist in Orthopaedics and Trauma SurgeryUpdated
Next step
Discuss performance testing and prevention
Describe the goal and current training or health context. The inquiry can then be matched to the appropriate performance or prevention offer.
