The Science Behind Body Composition: Understanding Your AI-Powered Body Scan Results
At Core Direction, we’re excited to introduce our new AI-powered body scanner, a revolutionary tool that provides a detailed analysis of your body composition. With metrics such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (%), Lean Mass, Fat Mass, 80 circumference measurements, and a 3D render of your body, this technology is designed to give you a clear picture of your health and fitness. To help you better understand your results, this blog explores the science behind these measurements and provides tables and insights tailored to global health standards.
Body Fat Percentage (BF%)
Body Fat Percentage refers to the proportion of fat in your body relative to your total weight. Unlike BMI, BF% provides a more specific insight into body composition by distinguishing between fat and lean mass. Healthy ranges for BF% vary by age, gender, and fitness level.
| Category | Women (20-39) | Women (40-59) | Women (60-79) | Men (20-39) | Men (40-59) | Men (60-79) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 10-13% | 10-13% | 2-5% | 2-5% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 14-20% | 14-20% | 6-13% | 6-13% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 21-24% | 21-24% | 14-17% | 14-17% | 14-17% |
| Acceptable | 25-31% | 25-31% | 25-31% | 18-24% | 18-24% | 18-24% |
| Obesity | 32%+ | 32%+ | 32%+ | 25%+ | 25%+ | 25%+ |
Body Fat Percentage Calculation
Body Fat Percentage is calculated using the formula:
Body Fat % = (Fat Mass ÷ Total Body Weight) × 100
Example Calculation:
- Total Body Weight: 70 kg
- Fat Mass: 21 kg
- Body Fat %: (21 kg ÷ 70 kg) × 100 = 30%
BMI: A Useful but Limited Tool
BMI is a commonly used metric to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on their height and weight. While useful for population-level studies, it has limitations when applied to individuals as it does not distinguish between muscle and fat.
| Category | BMI Range (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 - 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 - 29.9 |
| Obesity (Class 1) | 30.0 - 34.9 |
| Obesity (Class 2) | 35.0 - 39.9 |
| Extreme Obesity | ≥ 40.0 |
Lean Mass vs. Fat Mass
| Gender | Age Group | Lean Mass (%) | Fat Mass (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 20-39 | 68-72% | 28-32% |
| Female | 40-59 | 65-70% | 30-35% |
| Female | 60-79 | 60-65% | 35-40% |
| Male | 20-39 | 75-80% | 20-25% |
| Male | 40-59 | 70-75% | 25-30% |
| Male | 60-79 | 65-70% | 30-35% |
Lean Mass and Fat Mass
Lean Mass includes your muscles, bones, organs, and water. Fat Mass refers to the total fat in your body. Balancing these components is crucial for optimal health.
Lean Mass Calculation
Lean Mass is calculated using the formula:
Lean Mass = Total Body Weight − Fat Mass
Example Calculation:
- Total Body Weight: 70 kg
- Fat Mass: 21 kg
- Lean Mass: 70 kg − 21 kg = 49 kg
Lean Mass Percentage Calculation
Lean Mass Percentage is calculated using the formula:
Lean Mass % = (Lean Mass ÷ Total Body Weight) × 100
Example Calculation:
- Lean Mass: 49 kg
- Total Body Weight: 70 kg
- Lean Mass %: (49 kg ÷ 70 kg) × 100 = 70%
Fat Mass Calculation
Fat Mass is calculated using the formula:
Fat Mass = Total Body Weight − Lean Mass
Example Calculation:
- Total Body Weight: 70 kg
- Lean Mass: 63 kg
- Fat Mass: 70 kg − 63 kg = 7 kg
Fat Mass Percentage Calculation
Fat Mass Percentage is calculated using the formula:
Fat Mass % = (Fat Mass ÷ Total Body Weight) × 100
Example Calculation:
- Fat Mass: 21 kg
- Total Body Weight: 70 kg
- Fat Mass %: (21 kg ÷ 70 kg) × 100 = 30%
Key Circumference Indicators
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): ≤ 0.85 for women, ≤ 0.90 for men.
- Waist Circumference: Risk of metabolic syndrome increases at:
- 35 inches for women
- 40 inches for men
Important Notes About Your Report
Core Direction reports are generated using the Core Direction app and connected phone camera along with the power of artificial intelligence. Results can vary based on camera setup and lighting. The information contained in Core Direction Body Scan reports serves only as a reference guide.
Next Steps: Using Your Data for Success
Now that you have a detailed body composition report, use it to set realistic fitness and wellness goals, track progress, and identify areas for improvement. At Core Direction, our mission is to empower you to take control of your health journey.
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