Fat-Free Mass

Definition

Fat-Free Mass (FFM) is the portion of your body weight that is not composed of fat. It includes muscle, bones, organs, and water content.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Fat-Free Mass (FFM) represents all of the body's non-fat tissues and is composed of elements such as skeletal muscles, bones, organs, and body water. FFM is a critical determinant in calculating resting metabolic rate (RMR) because muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue.

Benefits

• Higher fat-free mass can increase your resting metabolic rate, allowing your body to burn more calories at rest.
• It helps in maintaining strong muscle and bone structure, which aids in mobility and overall physical health.
• Improve metabolic health indicators, contributing to better management of body weight and composition.

Examples

• Bodybuilders often have a higher fat-free mass because of their increased muscle mass.
• Athletes generally witness increased fat-free mass due to rigorous training and exercise routines.

Additional Information

• Importance: Fat-free mass is important for overall metabolic health and is a core component in determining an individual's energy needs and caloric intake.

Related Terms

• Resting Metabolic Rate
• Lean Body Mass
• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Body Composition

References

• The Physiology of Fat-Free Mass in Metabolic Health
• Understanding Body Composition: Fat-Free Mass