Body composition analysis, abbreviated and most commonly known as BCA, is an assessment that tells you what exactly your body is made of including fat, protein, and water. Fitness and health experts use this test as it provides a detailed analysis of in-body health. 

There are several models to learn BCA. Burn Gym, best gym in Chandigarh, shares with you the most common models, which are the 2C model and 4C model.

2C Model Of BCA

The 2C model studies your body composition on two components-: fat mass and fat-free mass.

a)     Fat Mass

Body fat is essential for our body as it stores energy, protects our internal organs, acts as an insulator and regulates body temperature. The fat analysis helps us to know how much fat our body contains and how much fat you need to lose to ensure that your body is fit and healthy.

b)     Fat-free Mass

All the mass in our body that is not fat comes under the category of fat-free mass. Components of fat-free mass are internal organs, skeletal muscle mass, water, etc.

Your body fat percentage can be calculated using these two values by dividing your fat mass by total weight. If you want to know just about the fat mass and not lean body mass, muscle mass, etc., then 2C model can be used.

4C Model Of BCA

The 4C model provides a detailed analysis of your in-body health by studying 3 other components besides fat. 

a)  Body Water

More than 50% of the adult body is made up of water. Body fats, muscles, blood, and other bodily fluids contain water. This can further be broken down into two components- the water contained inside our body’s cells (intracellular water) and the water contained outside our body’s cells (extracellular water).

b)  Protein

Proteins are essential for structure, function, and regulation of our body’s tissues and organs. While screening, the BCA test gives us insights about the level of protein in our body.

c)  Minerals

Minerals are required for building strong bones, transmitting nerve impulses and maintaining a normal heartbeat. Body minerals are stored in the bloodstream and inside the bone tissue. BCA test reflects on the number of minerals contained in our body.

The 4C model also provides you information about your skeletal muscle mass (the mass of muscles that can grow such as biceps, pectorals, quadriceps, etc.), dry lean mass, and lean body mass.

Various methods are used for body composition analysis including skinfold calliper, hydrostatic weighing, DEXA and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). However, most of the gyms and fitness centres use BIA to measure BCA of their clients. BCA assessment is essential before you start working out as it helps you set a goal for your workout.