Can we judge nutritional level from body composition alone?

We are diverse, we come in different shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds right?

Body composition is one way we can use to measure a person’s nutritional level.

On the one hand it is a useful tool. 

You can measure body composition objectively using tools like body girths, BIA, ski fold calipers, functional MRI, bodpod, and so forth.

The American council on exercise distinguishes body fat percentages by levels of athleticism/fitness.

Body composition can indeed give you clues about a person’s habits. A 40% body fat person probably doesn’t exercise everyday. 

Nonetheless we shouldn’t rely on body composition alone. 

A lean body isn’t always a fit or healthy body. Or belong to a person with good habits. Likewise, a body with more fat isn’t always an unfit or unhealthy body.   

For instance, a teenage male may stay lean easily despite an exercise routine of video games and a diet of pizza pockets.

Conversely, a fit and active woman in her 70s may have lower bone density and more body fat, but still be in great shape with excellent lifestyle habits. 

For optimal health and metabolic function, most women require body fat levels higher than many current “fit ideals”. 

Fat loss goals such as visible abs that depend on relatively unusually low body fat levels may not be appropriate, realistic or sustainable for many of you ladies!

A person can have a lower BMI (body mass index), and still be unfit and unhealthy. Let me explain, a person who lost weight during chemotherapy, is hardly a model of athletic performance and wellness. 

Conversely, a heavyweight athlete may have an excellent conditioning and metabolic health. 

What does this all mean? 

Testing body composition is part of a person’s story, but not the entire story which includes lifestyle choices, past experience, and current circumstances. 

All this to say that you might have a “best weight” or “best body fat level” that suits you and is REALISTIC and ACHIEVABLE but would be higher than the “fit ideals” of Instagram and other platforms!

Obesity specialist Dr. Yani Freedhoff says: “a (best weight) is what you reach when you’re living the healthiest lifestyle YOU can enjoy! 

Ladies and gents, you will only get the best results you’re wishing for when you focus on yourself and listen to your body, thus having the best food that matches your needs because there’s no best diet as there’s no best exercise. Each body reacts differently to different stimuli. 

For more information on how to work with me, contact me through my Instagram page or email me at souheibdietandfitness@gmail.com

I am offering competitive rates that won’t be matched. 

“I’m here to help you”

Thank you for reading and hopefully you enjoyed the content.

“Courtesy of precision nutrition”.