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Body Composition Default

Meaning

Body composition default is the intrinsic, physiologically preferred ratio of lean mass to adipose tissue that an individual’s homeostatic mechanisms are strongly programmed to maintain. This default setting is heavily influenced by genetics, early life metabolic programming, and long-term environmental exposures. Deviating significantly from this default state, either through aggressive dieting or excessive muscle gain, often triggers powerful compensatory hormonal and metabolic responses designed to restore the body to its established equilibrium. Understanding this default is key to setting realistic and sustainable health goals.