When determining body composition, what does 'lean mass' refer to?

'Lean mass' refers to body weight that excludes fat mass. This encompasses not only skeletal muscle but also the weight of organs, bones, and water. Thus, it is an important component of body composition, especially in contexts such as assessing health and fitness. When practitioners measure lean mass, they are specifically focusing on the non-fat components of body weight, which contributes to metabolic health and physical performance.

In this context, choosing body weight excluding fat mass accurately captures the essence of lean mass in a way that aligns with both clinical definitions and practical applications in the field of obesity medicine. This differentiation is crucial because higher lean mass relative to fat mass is often associated with better metabolic outcomes, strength, and endurance. Understanding this concept is fundamental for professionals working in obesity management, as well as for providing personalized treatment plans based on individual body composition profiles.