InBody 370

Body Composition Analysis

The InBody is an accurate Body Composition Analiser that reflects accurate body composition status, using the four main components that constitute total body weight. It clearly indicates why body weight alone is not a good measure of body fat. The InBody is based on the worldwide standard using Direct Segmental Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (DSM-BIA). This is an excellent way to find out what body composition really is. It is also very effective to measure progress when doing an exercise, fat loss and healthy eating program.

 

We Focus on Body Composition, Not Only Total Body Weight!

 

The InBody assessment measures the following:

Body Composition Analysis

Body weight consists of 4 components:

1. Body water
2. Protein
3. Mineral
   
4. Fat

These components are well balanced in a healthy body. Lower readings can be indicative of:

• Excessive fat % and fat weight: overweight or obesity
• Mineral bone (osseous) deficiency: early to advanced osteoporosis. This will be followed up to assess the necessity for a bone density test.
• Excess water: water retention or oedema
• Protein deficiency: malnutrition

 i. Muscle and Fat Analysis

This is one of the most unique and important aspects of the InBody. The InBody indicates the amount of fat, muscle and total weight in the body. The aim is to achieve optimal muscle mass in the normal to upper range with fat mass in the normal to lower range. The total body weight therefore is not as important; as muscle mass increases, the total body weight will increase, but fat weight will decrease exponentially. Muscle weighs more than fat. This is so important to assess while people are on a fat loss program, while also exercising (especially interval intermittent intensity training combined with resistance exercises), as they are losing fat, but building and toning muscle. If an InBody is not done, they will think their fat loss program is not effective!

ii. Overweight/Obesity Diagnosis

1. BMI – Body Mass Index (kg/m²) is used to determine the degree of overweight/obesity by calculating weight (kg) relative to height (m²). As it only considers weight and height, BMI can only diagnose overweight/obesity on a superficial level. If the muscle mass is high, the BMI will also be high, while the individual might not have any excess fat at all.
2. Percentage Body Fat (%BF) – does not only consider weight but also takes proportion of body fat mass to weight into consideration, to determine the degree of overweight/obesity. Weight alone does not necessarily define overweight/obesity, as more muscle content yields greater body mass. Percentage body fat is more important to considerthan total body weight in the diagnosis of overweight/obesity.
3. Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) – the ratio between waist and hip measurement is used to determine abdominal obesity, as it is strongly associated with abdominal fat. WHR greater than 0.90 in women and 0.95 in men, is considered to be abdominal obesity. In adults, abdominal obesity is mostly due to accumulation of visceral fat, which increases the concentration of free fat molecules (triglycerides) in the blood vessels, increasing the risk for obesity related diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

 iii. Fitness Score

The fitness score is out of 100. 70-80 is a good fitness score, but the ideal is over 80. When following an exercise and healthy eating program, the fitness score will improve as the body composition improves (increase in muscle mass and decrease in fat mass).

 iv. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

BMR is the minimal rate of energy production and utilisation needed to sustain life, such as cellular functions and homeostasis. Although weight and height mightbe the same, a person with more muscle mass has a higher BMR. If the BMR is lower compared to normal range, it is recommended that muscle mass is increased through strength training. Thyroid function is also reflected in the BMR, as normal thyroid function is essential for a normal BMR, therefore a first warning sign of a sluggish thyroid, might be a lower BMR. This will be followed up to assess the necessity for a comprehensive thyroid function screening test.