bodyweight

Bodyweight is the total mass of a living being, typically measured for humans in kilograms or pounds. It comprises fat mass, lean body mass (including muscle, bone, and organs), and body water. Daily fluctuations can occur due to hydration, meals, glycogen stores, and hormonal changes, while longer-term changes reflect diet, activity, aging, or health conditions.

Measurement and assessment are commonly done with a scale. More detailed analysis can estimate body composition using methods such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), hydrostatic weighing, or air displacement plethysmography, though these are not routinely required for everyday monitoring.

In health contexts, bodyweight is related to, but not identical to, health status. Body mass index (BMI) uses weight relative to height to categorize weight ranges as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. BMI has limitations; it does not distinguish fat from lean tissue and can misclassify muscular individuals or those with high body fat but normal weight.

In fitness and sport, bodyweight influences performance in weight-bearing activities and is used to determine weight classes. Bodyweight exercises rely on the body’s own mass (for example, push-ups, squats) rather than external weights, and programs often consider trends in weight alongside strength and composition.

Because weight can vary with factors such as hydration and timing, clinicians and trainers often look at longer-term trends rather than single measurements to assess health or progress.