Body Mass Composition

This is a very accurate test that measures your body fat, lean body mass and hydration levels as well as your basal metabolic rate. The test measures your bioimpedence through a number of sensor electrodes placed on the body. The digital printout provides your current and your recommended levels of lean body mass and body fat. Having this information is the first step in any weight management programme. Whether you feel you need to lose or gain weight this test will give you the breakdown of your current and recommended levels of lean body mass and body fat. The test is a non invasive test that requires little or no fasting.

What is Body Composition Analysis?

Body composition analysis is the clinical assessment of tissue and fluid distribution in the human body. The body is modelled as a series of tissue and fluid compartments. Fat Body Wight (or Fat Mass) is the total amount of stored lipids in the body and consists of the following types of fat:

• Subcutaneous Fat is located directly beneath the skin. Subcutaneous fat serves as an energy reserve and as insulation against outside cold.
• Visceral Fat is located deeper within the body. Visceral fat serves as an energy reserve and as a cushion between organs.
• Lean Body Weight (or Fat-Free Mass) is the total amount of lean (nonfat) parts of the body. It consists of approximately 73% water, 20% protein, 6% mineral and 1% ash.

Test Preparation and Precautions

• No alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to taking the test.
• No exercise, caffeine or food for 4 hours prior to the test.
• Consume 2 to 4 glasses of water within 2 hours prior to the test.

Bioimpedance testing is both clinically proven and safe. The test current is significantly below a persons sensory level. The test current (800 μA at 50 kHz) is well below the Assocation for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s (AAMI) standard (ES1-1985), for “Safe Current Limits”.

Despite the use of a low current, it is our policy that bioimpedance testing should not be performed on the following subjects without physical supervision:

• Pregnant women
• Persons with any implantable electronic device
• Persons with diagnosed heart problems

It is important to note that there is no history or clinical evidence that bioimpedance testing is unsafe for pregnant women or persons with a pre-existing heart condition. However, an extra measure of caution is always warranted in theses cases, and is recommended.

Bioimpedance testing will not damage a pacemaker. While there is no historical or clinical evidence that pacemakers are affected by bioimpedance testing, pacemaker manufacturers recommend that persons with pacemakers should avoid external electrical currents.

To enquire about this test. Contact us today.

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