Body Composition Analysis – Total Metabolism Testing
Through our Metabolic Rejuvenation Program, we evaluate patients in a variety of different ways in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of body morphology and metabolism. There are certain relationships that can be uncovered that can tell us if a patient is at a higher risk for heart disease, sleep apnea, osteoporosis or metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X). We use Bioelectrical Impedance Testing (BIA) using the InBody 570 from GE/Inbody, the leader in physician-grade BIA devices. This technology provides a lot of insight into the patient’s metabolism. It certainly provides the overall weight but it goes much further by providing the composition of the weight. It does this by distinguishing between Fat Mass (FM), total body water and Fat Free Mass (FFM) which is everything except fat and total body water. Further, the Inbody 570 provides an index of visceral fat.
Technically, the InBody 570 determines fat from water and lean muscle by testing the body’s resistance or impedance to a mild electrical wave sent up one leg to mid torso and then down the other leg, then does the same thing for each arm. In this way, the Inbody 570 not only determines overall body composition, but can determine body composition for each of 5 “segments”, 2 arms, 2 legs and the torso. Fat provides more resistance than water which is a better conductor, so from this it can determine the Total Body Water (TBW) and then predict the Body Fat % (BF%). Men have 3-5% essential fat and their ideal range is 8-18% BF with clinical obesity starting at 22%. At 29% BF most men will have metabolic syndrome(insulin resistance). Women have 10-15% essential fat and their ideal range is 18-25% BF with clinical obesity starting at 32%. At 37% most women will have metabolic syndrome.
Beyond body composition testing, waist and hip measurements can provide very useful information. There has been considerable scientific evidence that the amount of fat accumulation around the waist is more dangerous (metabolically) than fat elsewhere in the body. Women who have a waist circumference of 35 inches or more and men who have a waist circumference of 40 inches or more are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These are just some of the ways that we evaluate the patient’s risk for disease as well as their overall progress with their MRP.