Lean body mass consists of bones, muscles, organs, blood and water. Lean
body mass may also be called fat-free mass.
When on a weight reduction program or even a weight gain program it is important
to know the above body composition measurements. The reason is you never want
to lose lean body mass or fat free mass. In many weight loss programs one of
the problems which cause people to fail and eventually gain back lost weight and
more is because they have lost lean mass along with fat mass. Lean mass is
important as it helps keep metabolism higher which helps to burn body fat.
When you lose or burn lean mass you are actually losing your metabolism. A
proper program will target the body fat and maintain or even build lean mass in the
body.
After you have figured out your body fat percentage above then simply multiply
the percentage by your total weight. This will give you your total body fat
weight. Subtract this from your total weight and it will give you your lean
body mass weight.
For example, if you are a female and weigh 150 pounds and your percentage of body
fat is 29%.
150 x .29 = 43.5 pounds body fat.
150 - 43.5 = 106.5 lean body mass weight.
Desirable Body Fat Ranges
| Males |
Athletes |
6% - 12% |
| |
Non-Athletes |
11%-17% |
| Females |
Athletes |
12% - 18% |
| |
Non-Athletes |
18% - 28% |
