WHAT IS BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS?

Body Composition Analysis measures the amount and proportion of fat and lean mass in a person’s body. It also measures the body’s cellular integrity. In slightly more technical terms, Body Composition Analysis measures lean mass, body fat, lean dry mass (muscle), total body water, intracellular water, extracellular water, and phase angle. Body Composition Analysis is a quick and non-invasive procedure.

HOW DOES BIA TECHNOLOGY WORK?

When you stand on a body composition monitor, a very low, safe electrical signal is sent from four metal electrodes through your feet to your legs and abdomen.

The electrical signal passes quickly through water that is present in hydrated muscle tissue but meets resistance when it hits fat tissue. This resistance, known as impedance, is measured and input into scientifically validated equations to calculate body composition measurements. By measuring the resistance and reactance to the current as it passes through the body, it can measure the proportion and amount of lean tissue and fat. The rate at which this current passes through the cells of the body is how BCA determines the integrity of a person’s cells. The measurement of the body’s total resistance and reactance (which is independent of a person’s height, weight and body fat) is called the phase angle. A low phase angle indicates a breakdown of cell membrane. As the body is nutritionally restored, the cell membrane becomes more intact and the phase angle improves. This is quick, painless, harmless and extremely informative data!

Practically everyone benefits from the information provided by these tests!

MEASURING BODY FAT IS IMPORTANT FOR DETERMINING FITNESS

Weight alone is not a clear indicator of good health because it does not distinguish between pounds that come from body fat and those that come from lean body mass or muscle. Carrying too much fat is a condition called obesity, and puts a person at risk for many serious medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer. In fact, obesity contributes to at least half the chronic diseases in western society.

NOT ALL POUNDS ARE THE SAME MEASURING BODY FAT IS IMPORTANT FOR DETERMINING FITNESS 

Overweight means an excess of total body weight based on population averages for heights and body frame sizes. Athletes and very muscular people may be overweight, but that does not mean they are over fat. Obesity means an excess of body fat regardless of weight.

APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING

Men A, B and C are exactly the same height. A and B have the same weight, and C weighs considerably more. For his height C appears to be fat. But after analyzing body fat levels, B and C have acceptable percentages while A has above the recommended range and is at a higher health risk.

WHO SHOULDN’T GET BIA?

People with an electronic medical implant, such as a pacemaker, should not use a body composition monitor. The electrical signal traveling through the body may interfere with its operation. Pregnant women should use the weight function only, all other functions are not intended for pregnant women.

Call or write today for an appointment! (818) 551-0464 or email info@glendalewholehealth.com.