Body Composition
Body fat is stored energy. If you consume more energy than you use it is stored as fat. Fat is stored around the body, mostly just beneath the skin.
Body fat for health
There is a healthy range for body fat. If you have too much then it raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gallstones and some cancers. Too much body fat is also a "dead weight". It interferes with thermo-regulation (eg. keeping cool in summer), slows you down and tires you out. Body fat can also interfere with mobility and increase your risk of injury.
How is it measured?
Your assessment has two measures of fat. First your girth around the waist is compared with your girth around the hips. This is a measure of your risk of heart disease. As your waist approaches or is wider than your hips then your risk of heart disease is increased.
HANDY TIP
Becoming a member of Lifestylemedicine.net.au allows you to keep a confidential record of your health profile to help track your health and lifestyle changes overtime. Once you have an account with us, you can log on at any time to review, edit, complete this assessment. Your personal details remain confidential and will not be passed on to any third parties. See our Privacy Policy. You can select which Healthcare Practitioners you would like (if any) to access your details.
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