Weight vs Fat
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1. |
Athletic or muscular body
types (bodybuilders) who have normal or low body fat even though they are
overweight according to standard charts. |
|
2. |
Lean, thin or linear body body
types with low amounts of fat-free mass (endurance athletes) who can be
underweight according to the weight charts and extremely low in body fat yet
physically very healthy. |
|
3. |
People of average weight and
average body fat mass. |
|
4. |
Big, heavy and soft body types
who are overweight and obese from large amounts of fat mass and body weight. |
|
5. |
People (often the elderly) who
have too much fat mass and are obese but not overweight due to inactive and
sedentary lifestyles. |
Basic Terms in Weight
Management:
| Weight |
refers to the total weight
of the body including bones, muscle, fat, water, etc. |
| Overweight |
is defined as a body
weight that exceeds the acceptable weight for a particular person, based on
individual height and/or frame size. Standards are usually determined solely on
the basis of population averages that can and do change over time. Standards may
also vary with gender and ethnicity. An overweight person does not necessarily
have too much fat nor increased health risks if the excess weight is due to an
above-average amount of muscle. |
| Obesity |
is the condition where the
individual has an excessive amount of body fat. Over 30 specific diseases have
been linked to obesity. |
| Percentage Body Fat |
is the percentage of total
body weight that is fat |
| Fat Mass |
means the actual fat mass
(in pounds or kilos) in the body. |
| Body Fat |
functions as insulation,
protection and energy reserve. When the percentage is too high, fat increases a
person's risk of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, heart
disease, and some forms of cancer. It can also interfere with the immune system,
prevent heat loss, stress the musculoskeletal system, cause sleep problems, and
may affect self-esteem. |
| Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) |
is the rate at which the
body burns calories to maintain normal body functions while at rest. It is
affected by the amount of muscle you have. Body weight remains constant when you
burn up the same number of calories that you eat. A 3,500 calorie difference
between dietary intake and energy expenditure is necessary to gain or lose one
pound of fat. Weight loss by diet alone may result in a loss of muscle, and this
will slow your metabolic rate, making it more difficult to keep the weight off.
Exercise, however increases your metabolic rate for hours even after exercise and
can increase the amount of muscle you have. |
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