A measurement of the ratio of fat mass versus lean tissue, including muscle, bone, ligaments, tendons, and other organs. A higher overall body percentage has been linked to an increased risk for common diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risks.
Body fat isn’t the only concern, though. The distribution of body fat is an important factor too. A high level of fat in the abdominal area tends to increase one’s risk for heart disease and cancer compared to fat that is evenly distributed throughout the entire body.
*Available only for Adults 18-99