Pathfit

body composition

distribution of fat, muscle, bone, and tissues.

Weight alone is not reliable

ignores fat vs. muscle distribution.

Same weight but higher fat %

less lean body mass.

Normal BMI + high fat %

hidden obesity or excess fat.

BMI normal but should check body composition for full health picture.

Athlete with high muscle

BMI may misclassify as overweight but not unhealthy.

Best to combine BMI with body fat % (skinfold or analysis).

Fitness monitoring

use BMI + body composition, not weight alone.

Weakness of BMI

cannot separate muscle from fat.

Using both BMI + body composition

clearer health picture.

Body fat %

proportion of fat compared to muscles, bones, organs, water.

Body fat % is more reliable than weight alone because it shows fat vs. lean mass.

Too low fat %

hormonal imbalance, weak immunity, osteoporosis.

Lower body fat %

more lean muscle mass likely.

Normal BMI but high fat %

hidden obesity (normal weight obesity).

DEXA scan

x-ray method for fat, muscle, bone.

Skinfold calipers

measure subcutaneous fat.

Athletes with very low body fat risk

osteoporosis + hormonal imbalance.

Bioelectrical impedance principle

weak electrical current through body.

Hydrostatic weighing principle

water displacement and density.

High body fat %

higher risk of diabetes + heart disease.

Practical tool in schools

skinfold calipers.

Tracking fat + muscle over time

DEXA scan.

Quick classroom check

BMI + skinfold calipers.

Combining indicators (BMI + fat % + BP)

complete health picture.

Somatotypes developed by William H. Sheldon

Ectomorph

slim, linear, low fat + muscle mass.

Broad shoulders, muscular build

mesomorph.

Slim, low fat, long limbs

ectomorph, fast metabolism

Endomorph

tendency to store fat, slower metabolism.

Ectomorph exercise plan

resistance training + higher calories.

Identifying somatotype

based on body measurements, fat distribution, muscle.

Somatotypes help by personalizing exercise + intensity.

Nutrition guide by somatotypes

ectomorphs need more calories.

Sports endurance activities

ectomorphs

Mesomorph with poor diet

moderate risk (fat gain despite muscle).

Ectomorph struggles in strength goals

fast metabolism, low muscle mass.

Somatotypes useful

allow tailored training & diet plans.

Endomorph progress best tracked by fat %, waist-to-hip ratio, strength gains.

Same program for all body types

ignores metabolism and body type differences.