Final answer:
A scale measures total body mass but cannot determine the lean-to-fat ratio. Additional measurements and methods are needed to assess body composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scale measures a person's total body mass, but it does not determine the lean-to-fat ratio in the body. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. It's important to remember that body fat is necessary for the body to function effectively.
There are other methods to measure body fat content, such as skin-fold tests and underwater weighing. These methods take into account factors like fat mass, fat distribution, and muscle mass to provide a more accurate assessment of an individual's body composition.
In summary, a scale alone cannot provide information about a person's lean-to-fat ratio, so additional measurements and methods are needed to assess body composition.