Final answer:
Healthy body composition is achieved via regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper hydration. Lack of sleep, however, can negatively impact hormone balance and metabolism, contrary to the positive effects of the other factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
To achieve and maintain a healthy body composition, several lifestyle factors must be considered. Engaging in regular exercise burns calories and builds lean muscle tissue, which is more metabolically demanding than fat tissue, thus increasing your basal metabolic rate (BMR) even when resting. Consuming a balanced diet that provides adequate nutrients, fiber, and appropriate caloric intake without excess is crucial for overall health and can influence body composition positively. Proper hydration is essential for numerous bodily functions and can aid in weight management by maintaining satiety and supporting metabolic processes. On the contrary, a lack of sleep disrupts hormone balance, metabolism, and appetite regulation, which can lead to unhealthy body composition. Thus, good quality sleep is a critical but often overlooked component of a healthy lifestyle that supports ideal body composition.