When most people step on the scale, they expect the number to reveal how healthy or fit they are. But that single number doesn’t tell the whole story. Two people can weigh the same yet look and perform very differently depending on what makes up their weight. This is where the concept of body composition comes in.
Unlike weight alone, body composition breaks down the body into fat mass, muscle mass, bone, water, and other tissues. Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially for beginners starting their fitness journey. It helps you set realistic goals, avoid common misconceptions, and track progress more effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between BMI vs body fat percentage, introduce practical fitness measurement tools, and explain what healthy body fat levels look like for men and women.