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Body Composition

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May 1, 2024 Updated July 2, 2025 14 minute read
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Body composition refers to the proportions of different components that make up the human body, primarily fat mass and fat-free mass. Fat mass includes essential fat, which is necessary for normal bodily functions, and storage fat, which is excess fat stored in adipose tissue. Fat-free mass includes muscles, bones, organs, and body water. Measuring body composition can provide valuable insights into an individual's overall health, fitness level, and risk of chronic diseases.

Importance of Body Composition

Understanding body composition is crucial for several reasons. It helps individuals:

Path to Body Composition

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We've curated nine courses to help you on your path to Body Composition. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected four books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Body Composition.
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Applied Body Composition Assessment
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Provides an in-depth look at the latest methods for measuring body composition, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
Applied Body Composition Assessment - 2nd
Hardcover
$$
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Clinical Handbook of Weight Management, Second...
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Provides a practical guide to using body composition measurements in clinical practice, including how to interpret body composition data and how to use body composition measurements to assess health risks.
Clinical Handbook of Weight Management, Second...
Hardcover
$$
Diet Lies and Weight Loss Truths
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Provides a practical guide to using body composition measurements in nutrition and fitness practice, including how to measure body composition and how to use body composition data to develop nutrition and fitness plans.
Diet Lies and Weight Loss Truths
Paperback
$$
(中文) Diet Lies and Weight Loss Truths (Chinese Edition)
Paperback
$$
Diet Lies and Weight Loss Truths
Kindle Edition
$$
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Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport
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Provides a detailed overview of the different types of body composition analyzers, including how they work and how to interpret the results.
Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport
Hardcover
$$$
Relevant careers
Registered Dietitian
Health Educator
Personal Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
Physician Assistant
Registered Nurse
Athletic Trainer
Chiropractor
Physical Therapist
Related topics
Biochemistry
Medical Terminology
Exercise Physiology
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