Body Composition
Body composition refers to the percentages of fat, bone, and muscle in your body. Overweight and obesity can lead to various health problems, including musculoskeletal, metabolic, and breathing issues. According to the World Health Organization, these conditions are forms of malnutrition. Less than 1% of obese adults are metabolically healthy. Obesity is also linked to movement health issues like low back pain, with 79% of total knee replacements performed on obese or overweight individuals.
What Does the Symmio Body Composition Score Mean?
Symmio’s report provides a total score for body composition by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) and hip-to-waist ratio. These two evidence-based tests are widely recognized for measuring body composition. Additionally, we compare your results to the recommended healthy norms for your age and sex, offering a quick snapshot of potential concerns.
Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on all body systems, similar to premature aging, and this is evident in the rising number of musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders. We can’t effectively manage and prevent these injuries and diseases without addressing excess body weight, which affects nearly three-quarters of the U.S. population.
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person’s height and weight. It's a widely used screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight ranges and assess potential health risks.
BMI Categories
The accuracy of BMI as an indicator of body fatness also appears to be higher in persons with higher levels of BMI and body fatness16. While, a person with a very high BMI (e.g., 35 kg/m2) is very likely to have high body fat, a relatively high BMI can be the results of either high body fat or high lean body mass (muscle and bone).
Why is BMI Important
BMI provides a quick snapshot of your body composition and can indicate whether you are at a healthy weight. However, it doesn't measure body fat directly and may not account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.
Hip to Waist Ratio
Hip-to-Waist Ratio (WHR) is a measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It helps assess fat distribution in your body, which can be an important indicator of health risks.
Healthy WHR Ranges:
For Women: A WHR of 0.8 or lower is considered healthy.
For Men: A WHR of 0.9 or lower is considered healthy.
Why is WHR Important?
WHR provides insight into fat distribution. Excess fat around the waist (central obesity) is linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. WHR is a useful complement to BMI, offering a more complete picture of body composition and health risks.
Practical Guidance
Body composition affects and is affected by many other wellness domains. Although BMI is crucial, it’s not something we can change overnight. However, improvements in other areas can help move your BMI in the right direction.
Consistency is key: maintain a balanced, nutritious diet and avoid overeating – burn what you consume. Stay consistent with daily physical activity, and when ready, add muscle-building resistance training to ramp up your metabolism. Keep an eye on other wellness domains to stay motivated. If needed, consult with a dietitian or other professional for advice on maintaining a healthy BMI.