All articles tagged with #body composition
A cross-sectional study of 2,264 adults from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort finds higher habitual coffee intake is associated with lower total and visceral fat and greater skeletal muscle mass, plus metabolic and sex-hormone pattern differences between men and women; the study does not establish that coffee causes these changes.
Google Research’s PhotoScan uses AI to analyze 2D selfies to estimate body fat and body-fat ratios (A/G and V/S) with high accuracy, building on data from DXA scans and MRI. The approach reportedly surpasses wearable bioelectrical impedance analyses and could even help predict insulin resistance, though Google hasn’t announced a consumer product and privacy concerns about sharing photos remain a hurdle.
DXA (DEXA) scans use low‑dose X-ray beams to measure bone mineral density (primarily at the hip and spine) and can also assess body composition. They’re safe, quick (about 10–20 minutes), and recommended for women 65+ and men 70+ or anyone with risk factors to gauge osteoporosis risk and guide prevention. Routine scans aren’t usually needed for young people; if low density is found, strategies include weight‑bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and possibly medications. Pregnancy or recent contrast imaging can affect timing.
A six-month study of more than 120 adults in their 70s found that HIIT performed three times weekly reduced body fat while preserving lean muscle, whereas moderate- and low-intensity workouts also cut fat but slightly reduced muscle, suggesting HIIT may offer a stronger path to healthy aging.
Wyze unveils a cheaper BodyScan smart scale at $79.98 with Bluetooth only (no Wi‑Fi) and a 4.7” LED display, but it retains eight electrodes and a retractable handle to deliver a detailed body composition (weight, BMI, fat, muscle, bone, water, visceral fat) and can auto‑recognize up to eight users; metrics can be exported as a PDF and synced to Apple Health/Google Fit.
Senior Pentagon leaders are lining up uniformed service members to receive free tickets to a White House South Lawn UFC event hosted by President Trump, but eligibility hinges on meeting a waist-to-height ratio below 0.55 and service-specific fitness requirements. The move aligns with the Defense Department’s adoption of waist-to-height ratio as the new body composition standard for “warfighting readiness.” Officials say organizers want attendees who are genuine UFC fans and who are junior enlisted or junior officers, preferably from outside the DC area, though attendees must pay their own travel. The Pentagon declined to comment on the guidance, and past Trump troop appearances have been tied to optics and appearance.
A meta-analysis of 36 studies on GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists for weight loss shows participants lose about 9% of body weight within 3 months, with significant reductions in visceral fat and fat mass by 12 months. Lean body mass loss is present but relatively modest, suggesting muscle loss may be less of a concern than once feared. Experts emphasize maintaining protein intake and engaging in resistance and aerobic exercise to preserve muscle during GLP-1 therapy.
Contrary to the misconception, women can gain muscle at roughly the same relative rate as men with resistance training; testosterone explains some baseline differences in muscle mass, but with training both sexes show similar percentage gains, while women typically maintain a higher fat-to-muscle ratio and extremely low body fat can disrupt hormones and fertility.
Australian researchers followed over 120 healthy older adults (average age ~72) for six months and found that high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) reduced fat while preserving lean muscle mass, whereas moderate- and low‑intensity workouts also cut fat but were associated with small or unclear muscle loss. The findings suggest exercise intensity is key for aging body composition, though results apply to healthy individuals and HIIT may not suit everyone; medical or trainer guidance is advised before starting such a regimen.
A six-month study of more than 120 healthy older adults (~72 years old) finds that while high-, moderate-, and low-intensity workouts all reduce fat, only high-intensity interval training (HIIT) preserves lean muscle, suggesting intensity is key for improving body composition and healthy aging.
Julia Pugachevsky shares her year-long journey of losing 7% body fat through simple, sustainable changes like walking more, mindful eating, and tracking progress with body composition analyses, emphasizing that small habits can lead to meaningful and enjoyable health improvements.
Research shows that fasted workouts do not lead to greater long-term fat loss or muscle gains compared to fed workouts, and short-term fat burning during exercise does not necessarily translate into overall fat loss. The decision to exercise fasted or not should depend on personal preference and how it affects your performance and well-being, rather than on unsupported claims of superior fat burning.
Fasted exercise, or working out before eating, is popular for fat loss claims, but research shows it doesn't lead to long-term weight loss or body composition benefits compared to exercising after eating. While fasted workouts burn more fat during the activity, the body compensates over time, resulting in no significant long-term differences. Eating before exercise can improve performance and may aid in weight management, but the timing of meals around workouts has limited impact on results. Overall, the most important factor is simply exercising regularly, regardless of fasting or meal timing.
A personal trainer shares her experience after switching from high-intensity CrossFit to low-impact reformer and Pilates, noting improvements in core stability, muscle control, and mental well-being, but also an increase in body fat, highlighting the different benefits and effects of various workout modalities.
A study analyzing U.S. adults suggests that higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with increased limb muscle relative to body size, potentially supporting muscle health as we age, though the link is not observed in obese individuals and does not prove causation.