Inbody Scan Assessment
For Body Composition Analysis
What is a Inbody scan?
The InBody scanner can be used to assist with weight loss regimens, to track health changes over time, and to improve understanding of muscle to fat ratios in the body. It is a simple and effective way to monitor and motivate health improvements through interventions such as diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Results are presented as a one-page analysis, helping guide individuals in setting achievable long-term health goals.
Why is it important to have a body Composition analysis?
Having a body composition analysis can tell us your weight, body fat, muscle mass, BMI and basal metabolic rate. There is an array of evidence to suggest that maintaining a healthy body composition increases longevity and reduces the risk of weight-related health issues such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Weight and BMI, although relatively useful indicators, can’t differentiate between fat, muscle and water and therefore can provide inaccurate representations. For example, a body builder would likely have a BMI that would categorise them as obese or even clinically obese, but because their weight is from muscle and not fat, their body composition is still healthy.
Body composition analysis isn’t just for losing weight. If you are training for something or are wanting to achieve a specific muscle mass, the scanner can give you this information and help you accurately track your progress.
Your personalised report includes:
Total body weight
Accurately broken down into intracellular and extracellular water, protein (dry lean muscle mass), minerals and body fat mass.
Muscle-fat analysis
Uses bar graphs to illustrate a comparison between weight, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass. The length of the bar graphs provide a comparison between “normal” values based on your height.
Obesity analysis
Broken down into Body Mass Index (BMI) and Percentage Body Fat (PBF). PBF is a more accurate determination of your health because it compares your fat levels to your weight. Although BMI is outdated, it is included on your results sheet as it is still commonly used in scientific research.
Segmental lean analysis
Assesses lean muscle mass distribution within the five segments of your body – right arm, left arm, torso, right leg and left leg. This helps professionals closely monitor changes and make any adjustments as necessary.
Extracellular water ratio analysis
Total body water is composed of intracellular and extracellular water. ECW/TBW analysis can detect unusual shifts in fluid distribution or changes in the extracellular/intracellular water ratio.
Body composition history
After your InBody test is taken, your results are saved onto the device and can be recalled if a unique ID is entered at the beginning of the test. The cumulative graph quickly shows changes in your body composition so that dietary and/or exercise modifications can be made as necessary.
how should i prepare for my appointments?
Exercise: Testing should be done before exercising (do not exercise 6-12 hours before testing). Seating and heat cause change in conductivity within the body.
Height: This needs to recorded accurately from the start.
During measurement, arms should not touch the body.
Eating: It is best to have an empty stomach and bladder (do not eat for 3-4 hours before testing). You should be well hydrated.
Caffeine: Do not drink caffeine on the day of your test.
Subsequent testing: It is preferable that subsequent visits should be carried out under similar conditions (i.e. similar time of day, wearing similar clothing etc).