Lean body mass
Component of body composition
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Through Cell membrane
- LBM = BW − BF
- Lean body mass equals body weight minus body fat
- LBM + BF = BW
- Lean body mass plus body fat equals body weight
LBM differs from FFM in that cellular membranes are included in LBM although this is only a small percent difference in the body's mass (up to 3% in men and 5% in women)
Overview
The percentage of total body mass that is lean is usually not quoted – it would typically be 60–90%. Instead, the body fat percentage, which is the complement, is computed, and is typically 10–40%. The lean body mass (LBM) has been described as an index superior to total body weight for prescribing proper levels of medications and for assessing metabolic disorders, as body fat is less relevant for metabolism. LBW is used by anesthesiologists to dose certain medications. For example, due to the concern of postoperative opioid-induced ventilatory depression in the obese patient, opioids are best based on lean body weight. The induction dose of propofol should also be based on LBW.
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Estimation
LBM is usually estimated using mathematical formulas. Several formulas exist, having different utility for different purposes. For example, the Boer formula is method of choice for LBM estimation to calculate the dose given in contrast CT in obese individuals with BMI between 35 and 40.
A nomogram based on height, weight and arm circumference may be used.
Boer
The Boer formula is:
- For men
- LBM = (0.407 × W) + (0.267 × H) − 19.2
- For women
- LBM = (0.252 × W) + (0.473 × H) − 48.3
where W is body weight in kilograms and H is body height in centimeters.
Hume
The following formula by Hume may be used:
- For men
- LBM = (0.32810 × W) + (0.33929 × H) − 29.5336
- For women
- LBM = (0.29569 × W) + (0.41813 × H) − 43.2933
where W is body weight in kilograms and H is body height in centimeters.
Actual measurement
Instead of mathematical estimation the actual value of LBM may be calculated using various technologies such as Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).