Assessing Body Composition

Body composition can be divided into two compartments: fat mass and fat-free mass. Body composition is the ratio of fat to fat-free mass. Fat-free weight includes all tissues-muscle, bone, blood, organs, fluids-exclusive of fat. Fat, which composes the other compartment, is found in the organs (for example, brain, heart, liver, lungs) and adipose cells. A dipose cells are fat cells that are located subcutaneously (beneath the skin) and surrounding various body organs. They are an insulator against heat loss and a protection for the internal organs against trauma. The majority of body fat is found in adipose cells where it acts as a vast storage depot for energy. A certain amount of fat is required for normal biological functions. This is referred to as essential fat. Essential fat is located in the bone marrow, organs, muscles, and intestines; it is a component of cell ­membrane structure, as well as brain and heart tissue. The amount of essential fat in the male and female bodies differs. Essential fat constitutes 3% to 5% of the total weight of men and 11 % to 14% of the total weight of women.


The higher female requirement for essential fat is directly related to fertility and childbearing. Women whose body fat drops below essential requirements, such as gymnasts, ballerinas, long­ distance runners and anorexics, will probably become amenorrheic. The period of infertility will continue until weight is gained and essential fat is restored. In both genders, essential fat represents a minimal threshold or lower limit for the maintenance of health.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce...
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c...
Keep reading

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r...
Keep reading