Assessing body fat percentage alongside weight is important because it provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's health and fitness than weight alone. Two people can weigh the same but have vastly different levels of body fat and muscle mass. Understanding body fat percentage helps gauge metabolic health and informs adjustments to fitness programs or nutrition. It can also be more indicative of fitness levels and overall health risks, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Monitoring body fat helps individuals track changes over time and encourages healthier lifestyle choices, focusing on composition rather than just the scale.