The Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) is a metric used to assess lean body mass relative to height. It provides a more nuanced perspective on body composition than Body Mass Index (BMI), as it differentiates between muscle mass and fat mass. Online calculators facilitate easy FFMI calculation, often incorporating age and sex to refine the assessment, sometimes specifically tailored for menopausal individuals.
Evaluating body composition becomes particularly relevant during menopause due to hormonal shifts that can influence muscle mass and fat distribution. Accurately gauging FFMI can inform personalized fitness and nutritional strategies to mitigate potential health risks associated with these changes. This approach represents an advancement over traditional BMI, which can be misleading in populations with varying muscle mass, particularly athletes or individuals experiencing age-related muscle loss.
