When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images The number on the scale does not tell the whole story. Your body weight does ...

For bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, changing body composition often reflects hard work and discipline—but knowing body composition is useful for anyone, and for more than just bragging rights.

The body-positive movement has encouraged people, especially women, to see beauty in all shapes and sizes, and it's reminded us that body ideals are culturally constructed and not based on science.

The number on the scale does not tell the whole story. Your body weight does not account for your body fat, muscle mass and bone density, and will not tell how much of it is due to water retention or ...