An InBody scan is a relatively new technology that analyzes an individual’s body composition. By providing measurements of fat, muscle, water, and other parameters, InBody scans give us detailed information about our bodily compositions.
Unlike other body composition tests, InBody scans are relatively non-invasive, quicker, and less expensive. They are performed using specialized equipment called InBody Scanners.
Such a device is absolutely crucial for fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes alike. That’s because it gives them an accurate assessment of progress and changes in muscle mass and body fat.
By tracking these parameters over time, athletes can easily evaluate the effectiveness of their training programs. The technique can even be used for hydration management, as the scans are capable of monitoring water levels.
With so many features to be unveiled, let’s dive right into the intricacies of how these InBody scans work!
What is an InBody Scan?
An InBody Scan is a non-invasive technique for analysing an individual’s body composition. Unlike other similar techniques, this method uses direct segmental measurement bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSM-BIA) to provide precise data.
These scans are performed over a device called an InBody Scanner. The device is capable of providing in-depth results for different body composition parameters like body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, segmental lean body mass, body fat percentage, and so on.
InBody scanners can prove to be invaluable for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. They can be used for assessing progress, identifying muscle imbalances, optimizing hydration strategies, managing nutrition, and even tailoring training programs.
How Does InBody Scan Work?
As we mentioned before, InBody devices rely on a technique called direct segmental measurement bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSM-BIA). It is used to measure and analyze body composition by sending electrical currents through the body, which leads to six different impedance readings for the trunk and one each for all four limbs.
That is the short version of how these scans work.
The more in-depth explanation of the procedure begins with the subject standing on an InBody device. The electrodes of the scanner then send a safe electrical current through the body of the person.
The current travels through the body and encounters different types of tissues – fat, muscle, and water. Each of these tissues offers distinct levels of resistance (or impedance).
The impedance recorded is measured by the scanner using different parameters. The information is then combined to form a detailed report of body fat percentage, muscle mass, water distribution, and other relevant measurements.
It’s important to note that factors like hydration patterns, food intake habits, and physical activity can influence the accuracy of the test. As such, individuals are recommended to follow specific preparation guidelines to get the most precise results.
What Does InBody Scan Measure?
An InBody scan provides a detailed assessment of your body’s composition and overall health. It measures various parameters to give you insights into your body fat, muscle mass, water distribution, and other important metrics.
Here are the key measurements obtained through an InBody scan:-
Body Composition Analysis
The Body Composition Analysis is the first output that you will see after conducting an InBody scan.
This section basically gives an overview of the breakdown of your entire body weight. It gives athletes and fitness enthusiasts a true and fair view of how much muscle vs how much fat they have in their bodies.
For this, it measures Body Fat Mass and Lean Body Mass, which is further divided into Dry Lean Mass and Total Body Water.
The Body Fat Mass will indicate how much of your weight comes from fatty tissues. On the other hand, Lean Body Mass covers the weight of your muscle tissues as well as your water weight.
Add them all together, and you will get your total body weight.
Muscle-Fat Analysis
The second output that you will see is the results of the test’s muscle-fat analysis. This section helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of muscle and fat in their bodies.
It provides an overview of the individual’s body weight, the weight of the skeletal muscle mass, and the weight of the body fat mass through bar graphs.
The longer the skeletal muscle mass bar is compared to the body fat mass bar, the stronger your body is in terms of muscle-fat distribution.
Obesity Analysis
Next up, we have Obesity Analysis. This section is pretty straightforward. It measures two parameters – the individual’s BMI and their PBF.
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a value that is derived by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. It is a somewhat accurate measurement of an individual’s body type.
A BMI reading between 20-25 is normal. A reading between 25-30 is overweight. Anything above 30 is obese.
Individuals below 20 are considered to be underweight.
PBF stands for the percentage of body fat. For most men, the reading should generally fall between 10% and 20%. For women, normal PBF readings might vary between 18% and 28%.
Segmental Lean Analysis
The Segmental Lean Analysis section provides a pictorial as well as a numerical representation of an individual’s distribution of lean mass in each segment of their body.
The analysis is divided into five segments – left arm, left leg, right arm, right leg, and trunk.
Athletes can compare the reading of their left arm versus the reading of their right arm to see if they suffer from any imbalances. Usually, a difference of greater than one point typically indicates muscle imbalances or signs of previous injuries on the shorthanded side.
Body Water Analysis
Body Water Analysis readings are primarily based on the ECW/TBW ratio. ECW refers to Extracellular Water and represents water present outside the body’s cells, such as in blood vessels, the lymphatic system, and interstitial spaces.
TBW refers to Total Body Water and represents the total amount of water in our bodies, comprising both intracellular and extracellular water.
A balanced ratio of ECW to TBW indicates that there is optimal water distribution with adequate hydration and fluid balance.
Generally, a healthy ECW ratio should be in the range of 0.36 to 0.39. If the ratio is higher, it might indicate the presence of edema.
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Body Fat-Lean Body Mass Control
This section provides an overview and general recommendations based on the relationship between your body fat and lean body mass.
It lists the recommended change to achieve a healthy ratio between Body Fat and Lean Body Mass.
If you see a ‘+’ in this section, it means you either have to gain body fat or lean mass to achieve the perfect ratio. If you see a ‘-’ in this section, it indicates that you need to either lose body fat or lean mass to achieve a balanced ratio.
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, measures the number of calories that your body requires to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing while in a state of resting.
This information is pretty useful for designing appropriate nutrition plans and determining energy requirements for weight management.
Visceral Fat Level
The Visercal Fat Level section measures the amount of fat surrounding the organs located in the abdominal region.
The excess presence of visceral fat is often associated with underlying health conditions, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some metabolic disorders.
As far as InBody scans go, you should maintain a Visceral Fat Level under 10 or a Visceral Fat Area under 100 square centimeters to remain healthy.
Body Composition History
The Body Composition History section provides a graph that allows individuals to track and compare their body composition measurements over time after taking multiple tests.
By using this feature, athletes can monitor their progress, identify trends, and also assess the effectiveness of their fitness and nutrition interventions.
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Wrapping Up
There are many advantages to using InBody scans. They provide comprehensive insights into your body composition and help you mitigate potential challenges like muscle imbalances, a high percentage of visceral fat, and unhealthy hydration practices.
Moreover, getting an InBody scan is more affordable and accessible compared to other similar tests.
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