Lean Body Mass

Definition

Lean body mass is the total weight of your body minus all the weight due to fat. It includes muscles, bones, organs, and fluids.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Lean body mass (LBM) refers to the aggregate mass of the body's soft, dense, metabolically active tissues, such as muscles, bones, skin, body water, and connective tissues. It excludes adipose tissue or body fat.

Benefits

• Improved metabolic rate
• Increased strength and endurance
• Better body composition
• Enhanced physical performance

Examples

• Calculating lean body mass with body composition scales
• Physical training improving lean body mass

Additional Information

• Importance: Lean body mass is important for overall health, as it is a major determinant of an individual's metabolic rate and affects energy expenditure. Maintaining a higher lean body mass can help in weight management and metabolic health.

Related Terms

• Body Composition
• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Muscle Mass
• Adipose Tissue

References

• Understanding Body Composition: Key to Improving Health and Fitness
• The role of lean body mass in evaluating nutritional status