Which statement best describes the relationship between muscle and fat in BIA?

The relationship between muscle and fat in Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is best described by the understanding that muscle conducts electricity more easily than fat. This is due to the higher water content found in muscle tissue compared to fat tissue. Water is a good conductor of electricity, whereas fat contains little to no water, which makes it a poor conductor.

When BIA is performed, the device sends a small electrical current through the body. Because muscle contains more fluid, it allows the current to pass through more readily, resulting in a lower impedance value. This difference in conductivity helps determine body composition, as a greater amount of muscle mass will show up as a more favorable conductivity level, indicating lower resistance compared to fat mass.

An understanding of this principle is essential for accurately interpreting BIA results and understanding body composition assessments.