By Lois Manzella Marchitto
A person’s body composition can significantly influence their physical lifestyle. It is comprised of
bone, muscle, ligaments, tendons, water, and adipose tissue (fat). There are several ways in
which body composition affects one’s mental and physical lifestyle:
1. Performance and Endurance: Body composition, particularly the amount and distribution of
muscle mass, can directly impact physical performance and endurance. More muscle mass
generally leads to increased strength, power, and athletic performance. On the other hand, a
higher percentage of body fat can impair endurance and make physical activities more
challenging.
2. Metabolic Health: Body composition plays a crucial role in metabolic health. If you didn’t
already know your “metabolism” is how your body processes food and absorbs it. Therefore,
excessive body fat, especially around the belly, is associated with every chronic disease and
has an especially high risk associated with increased risk of chronic conditions like type 2
diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. Maintaining a healthy body composition, with
a healthy ratio of muscle to fat, can promote better metabolic function and reduce the risk of
such health issues.
3. Functional Movement: This is the distribution and quality of muscle mass and its effect on
functional movement patterns and mobility. Having a good muscle-to-fat ratio helps support joint
stability, balance, and coordination, enhancing overall physical functionality and reducing the
risk of injuries.
4. Calorie Burn: Body composition influences basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number
of calories your body needs at rest. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue,
meaning that individuals with more muscle burn more calories even when at rest.
5. Body Image and Confidence: Body composition can also impact body image and self-
confidence, which in turn affects one’s physical lifestyle. Individuals who are satisfied with their body composition are more likely to engage in regular physical activity, adopt healthy lifestyle
habits, and experience improved mental well-being.
It’s important to note that body composition is just one aspect of overall health, and individuals
should strive for a balanced and natural approach to fitness and well-being. It’s always
advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or highly educated fitness experts, preferably
with a degree for personalized guidance regarding body composition and physical lifestyle
goals.
Lois is the owner and managing director of Fitness Knocking. She can be
reached at Lmm@fitnessknocking.com
