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Ep. 40 | Breaking Down Body Comp & Building up your Knowledge Base
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Episode Summary
In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley sits down with Dr. Grant Tinsley, a leading researcher in exercise physiology and body composition. They unpack the key definitions that often get conflated—fat-free mass, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass—and why it’s critical for clinicians to understand the differences.
The conversation also dives into body composition measurement methods, from DEXA scans to bioimpedance analysis, and how accuracy and standardization can make or break meaningful interpretation in clinical and performance settings.
Whether you’re a researcher, provider, or health coach, this episode helps ground your understanding of the data behind the numbers.
Key Takeaways
Terminology Matters – Understanding the distinction between lean mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle is essential for accurate assessment and communication.
Measurement Tools – Each method—DEXA, BIA, skinfold—has pros, cons, and contexts where it shines.
Standardization Gaps – There’s still work to be done in aligning how we define and track body composition across studies and clinical practices.
Athlete Relevance – Subtle changes in body composition can have major implications in sport and recovery.
Applied Science – Better measurement leads to better intervention—and better outcomes.
About Dr. Grant Tinsley
Dr. Grant Tinsley is an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at Texas Tech University and Director of the Energy Balance & Body Composition Lab. His research focuses on body composition assessment, intermittent fasting, and sport performance. He is a published author of numerous peer-reviewed studies and a recognized voice in the field of applied physiology.
