Many factors influence body weight-genes, though the effect is small, and heredity is not destiny; prenatal and early life influences; poor diets; too much television watching; too little physical activity and sleep; and our food and physical activity environment.

Consequences of Obesity

• All-causes of death (mortality)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Coronary heart disease.
• Stroke.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)

Body Mass Index

• Overweight (not obese), if BMI is 25.0 to 29.9.
• Class 1 (low-risk) obesity, if BMI is 30.0 to 34.9.
• Class 2 (moderate-risk) obesity, if BMI is 35.0 to 39.9.
• Class 3 (high-risk) obesity, if BMI is equal to or greater than 40.0.

Gender, age, race, nutrition, physical activity, and hormonal status are the main determinants of body composition. Illness may have a significant effect on body composition; malnutrition is a major complication.

Most people are unique combinations of the three body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

Factors That Affect Body Fat

• Genetics.
• Age.
• Sex.
• Menopause.
• Type of Activity.
• Amount of Activity.
• Nutrition.
• Tip: The highest health risk occurs when there is excess body fat around your waist, especially near your organs (also called “visceral fat”).

The known, major environmental factors that affect body fat distribution include alcohol intake (1), cigarette smoking (2), and the timing of onset of childhood obesity (3). In addition, strong genetic factors seem to play a role in regional fat gain and loss (4,5).

Studies suggest that while your genes may determine up to 80 percent of your weight and body shape, environment and personal choice still play a significant role. So even if you’re a dead ringer for your mother in old family photos, it doesn’t mean you’ll enter middle age with the same body.

In addition to age, energy intake, and other factors, individual differences in biological maturation, gender, and race/ethnicity affect elements of body composition such as fat mass and fat-free mass, subcutaneous fat, and fat distribution.

Benefits of having a healthy body composition

• Normal blood pressure level.
• Improved quality of sleep.
• Improved mood and self-confidence.
• Increased energy and endurance throughout the day.
• Reduced pain in joints, hips, and lower back.
• Improved blood circulation — leading to lower risk for heart disease.

Body fat can be measured in several ways, with each body fat assessment method having pros and cons. The most basic method, and the most common, is the body mass index (BMI).

By definition, a healthy body composition includes a low proportion of body fat, as well as a higher proportion of fat-free mass. Although your body requires a certain amount of body fat to maintain organ functions, a lower body-fat percentage is usually a sign of good health.

A healthy body composition means having an appropriate amount of body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone health. Body composition affects all other aspects of physical fitness. While the affects may be subtle, they can make a huge difference in your longevity and quality of life.

Incorporating these exercises into your regular routine will help you safely and effectively achieve your body composition goals.

• Burpees. No equipment required.
• Pushups. No equipment required.
• Interval training. Treadmill optional.
• Weighted squat jump. A light, handheld weight.
• Explosive lunge jump. No equipment required.

The 4-component (4C) model, which divides body weight into fat, water, mineral, and protein, can overcome these limitations.

5 Components of Physical Fitness

• Cardiovascular Endurance.
• Muscular Strength.
• Muscular endurance.
• Flexibility.
• Body Composition.

To calculate body fat percentage, add your waist and hip measurements, and then subtract the neck measurement to determine your circumference value. For example, if your waist is 30, your hips are 36, and your neck is 13, your circumference value would be 53.

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) Body fat testing is a great way to have an accurate metric for your body composition. There are many ways of getting your body fat tested, but most experts will agree that the DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the most accurate testing technology available.

At around 15 per cent body fat, men will tend to start seeing muscular shape and definition, while noticing changes in body composition and fat stores. Your arms and shoulders are more vascular too. You’re now on-track for a six-pack.

These ranges are centered around the idea that the average percent body fat for women is at 23 percent while men’s are pegged at 15 percent. At InBody USA, we recommend a body fat percentage range of 10-20 percent for males and 18-28 percent for women.

To get to 10%, kick your workouts up to five to six days a week, White advises. That’s a combination of weight training, HIIT, and cardio. Increase to heavier weights and higher intensity, focusing on not just the big muscles but also specializing in the smaller muscles to help carve that definition.

Here are 14 simple steps to drop 10 pounds in a single month.

1. Do More Cardio. Share on Pinterest.
2. Cut Back on Refined Carbs.
3. Start Counting Calories.
4. Choose Better Beverages.
5. Eat More Slowly.
6. Add Fiber to Your Diet.
7. Eat a High-Protein Breakfast.
8. Get Enough Sleep Every Night.