Are you tired of relying on the outdated Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess your health and fitness goals? It’s time to get with the times and ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to measuring body composition. Recent research shows that body composition is the key to understanding your body’s unique needs and unlocking your full potential.
The Good and the Bad of BMI
The widespread availability of BMI equations and charts across numerous forms of media, such as personal health-tracking applications, encourages the self-evaluation of one’s health relative to their weight. BMI empowers the layperson to freely calculate his own BMI [1]. Mainly because BMI is a quick and easy way and only requires two pieces of information: your weight and height. It is often used as a screening tool to identify individuals who may be at risk for weight-related health problems.
Despite all the good it has brought, BMI has certain valid limitations that make it unfit for consideration under the medical persona. BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass, so it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with a high proportion of muscle mass. Body composition: fat distribution, are ignored in the calculation of BMI. It may not be an accurate measure of body composition for certain populations, such as athletes [2], the elderly, and the pregnant women. Athletes may have a higher level of muscle mass, which can result in a higher BMI, even though they have a low level of body fat. The elderly may have a lower BMI due to loss of muscle mass, even if they have a high level of body fat. Inaccurate body index yield is, thus, the biggest drawback when we classify body composition under the generalized shadow of BMI.
Body Composition: A Better Measure of Health
The superiority of body composition over BMI lies in its ability to offer targeted interventions. Body composition is a key component for maintaining good general health and longevity:
As we grow up, there is a natural increase in fat mass coupled with a gradual decline in lean mass, specifically in bone and muscle mass. Individuals with a high body fat percentage are at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, etc. On the other hand, a reduction in skeletal muscle mass increases the risk of developing diseases like sarcopenia. Although weight tracking and calculation of BMI are commonly used by clinicians and dietitians, these measures do not provide insight into the relative contributions of fat mass and fat-free mass. Healthcare professionals need to cater to patient-specific needs for body composition for the ideal formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The Benefits of Knowing Your Body Composition
- The assessment of body composition is an essential tool for nutrition specialists to effectively evaluate nutritional status and monitor progression during dietary interventions.
- Similarly, malnutrition exacerbates the effects of many medical conditions and is essential to address.
- By understanding your body composition, you can identify areas where you may need to make improvements in terms of reducing body fat or increasing lean muscle mass. This can help you set realistic health goals and monitor your progress over time.
- Tracking changes in your body composition over time can provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of your exercise and nutrition plan.
The Evolution of Measuring Body Composition
The evolution of body composition measurement strategies will be discussed in a chronological order:
- Height & Weight Indices
In the early 20th century, height and weight were the primary measurements used to assess body composition.
- Skinfold Thickness
In the 1950s and 60s, skinfold thickness measurements became popular. This involves measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat at various locations on the body using calipers. This variable was used to estimate total body fat percentage, working efficiently as a body fat analyzer.
- Hydrostatic Weighing
In the 1960s, underwater weighing (hydrostatic weighing) became the gold standard for measuring body composition. Calculation of body density when someone is submerged in water was an accurate indicator of body density.
- Dual energy X-Rat Absorptiometry (DXA)
In the 1980s, DXA was developed to measure bone density, but it was later found to be an accurate way to measure body composition.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
In the 1990s, the BIA machine was introduced as the body fat calculator machine. This involves sending a low-level electrical current through the body and measuring the resistance [3].
Body Scanning Technology is an emerging arm of modern-era imaging techniques. With the help of built-in medical grade composition and segmental body constitution data, Body Scanning makes it convenient to calculate all the body indices which initially required separate tests and measurement techniques. The principle of Body Scanning Technology is developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human body. Body Scanning Technology consists of a 3D body analyzer and a “reconstruction” system that measures different body compositions. Body Scanner Machines have a vast scope in fitness and health, and wellness disciplines. The latest trends in cosmetic care also utilize this technology to provide professional, precise, fast, and accurate body analysis reports to eligible clients.
Why Visbody is a Better Choice for Testing Body Composition
Visobody offers 3D body scanning and body analysis to measure and assess different body compositions, like body status, circumferences, joint function, dynamic function, static postures, and more, to generate accurate 3D body avatars and reliable body reports. Users can now boost efficacy and accuracy by measuring all the health indices:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
- Body fat analysis
- Obesity analysis
- Shoulder function report.
- Normal weight and weight-for-height ratio, and others.
3D body scanning is appreciable for its ability to generate accurate body avatars and reliable body reports. Health indices: total body water (TBW), Waist-to-hip ratio (abdominal fat), obesity index, and body fat rate (to diagnose invisible cases of obesity) are all important diagnostic markers of an underlying problem arising from failure of follow-up and monitoring. For people who are unaware and incapacitated about their health status, the Visobody Scanner contains a 6-control and analysis recommendation panel for an easy-to-understand overview of body composition. Client-specific data is stored and is made accessible and reliable. It lets the client have a closer and more personal experience with the software.
Transforming Your Health with Accurate Body Composition Measurement
Body Scanners generate accurate measurements with millimeter-level precision in less than a minute. The generated indices contain 14 Core Body Compositions and 8 Body Analysis Recommendations. Body composition analyzers hold diagnostic value in the medical field because of their ability to elaborate important data about human blood and body profiles. Segmental fat analysis, determination of lean body mass, total muscle mass, and body composition of lean-fat, visceral fat, and protein are markers of obesity and other medical and physical conditions. This technology can help identify individuals who are at high risk of developing these conditions.
Recent advances in Imaging Technology confirm that there is a vast scope for innovation in this field. 3D imaging will soon evolve and merge with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) to establish more precise and detailed criteria for diagnoses. People are now more centralized and educated about their health prospects. Rejuvenating confidence and focusing on health and wellness will always be trendy.
The Many Uses of Body Scanning
The body scanner has a user-oriented interface that lets the user interact with the device via touch or posture-activated systems. This can help allay fear and anxiety in people about their safety. Overall, it improves the patient experience by providing a non-invasive, comfortable, and efficient way to gather important information about their body.
With the competence, and readily accessible nature of 3D body scanning technology, more people have access to quality care. This is especially useful for trainers and gym instructors managing fitness programs. It lets them micro-manage the client’s progress. For example, the estimated BMI and muscle mass data can be used to cater to nutritional requirements. A person aiming for muscle mass can reevaluate the protein in his/her diet to better respond to their body’s needs. It helps them achieve their goals efficiently.
The body composition scanner is the ideal machine for medical rehabilitation, fitness, body beauty, spa, and more. This scanner machine offers 14 Core Body Composition Analyses, 8 Control and Analysis Recommendations, and more comprehensive data. Risk-assessment and functional assessment tests related to sports injuries are designed to evaluate and prevent potential changes that may prove damaging.
FAQS
- How often should I get my body composition tested?
The frequency of body composition testing can vary depending on your goals and individual circumstances. For example, athletes may need to get tested more frequently to monitor their progress, while someone looking to maintain their weight and overall health may only need to get tested once or twice a year. It is important to work with a healthcare professional or certified fitness expert to determine the best testing frequency for your specific needs.
- What other factors should I consider besides body composition?
While body composition is an important aspect of overall health and fitness, it is not the only factor to consider. Other factors such as cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and mental well-being should also be taken into account. It is important to focus on a well-rounded approach to health and fitness that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
- Does BMI have any reference value after knowing body composition?
No, BMI still has some reference value even after knowing your body composition. While body composition provides a more accurate picture of your overall health and fitness level, BMI can still be useful as a quick screening tool. It can provide a rough estimate of whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which can be a starting point for further evaluation and personalized recommendations.
Do I need to visit a medical facility to get my body composition tested?
No, there are several options available to test your body composition without visiting a medical facility. One other option is to use a 3D body scanner, which can often be found at fitness centers, yoga studios, and other similar facilities.
Conclusion
To sum up, BMI has been widely used to measure body composition for many years and is still being used in some contexts. However, it is crucial for individuals to understand the limitations of BMI and seek out more accurate methods, such as body scanning technology, to assess their health. The success of body scanning technology lies in its ability to provide a client-friendly experience and more precise measurements, leading to a better understanding of one’s body composition and overall health.
In addition, it is important to remember that body composition is just one aspect of overall health and fitness. Personalized nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices all play important roles in achieving long-term success. By utilizing a combination of tools and methods, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their health and take proactive steps towards improving it. The use of body scanning technology, such as Visbody, can provide a more accurate and personalized approach to monitoring body composition and achieving fitness goals. With this knowledge, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
REFERENCES
- Rich E, & Evans J (2005). ‘Fat ethics’–the obesity discourse and body politics. Social Theory & Health, 3(4), 341–358. [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
- Tafeit E, Cvirn G, Lamprecht M, Hohensinn M, Moeller R, Hamlin M, Horejsi R. Using body mass index ignores the intensive training of elite special force personnel. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2019 Aug;244(11):873-879. doi: 10.1177/1535370219848986. Epub 2019 May 13. PMID: 31084214; PMCID: PMC6690141.
- Lyons-Reid J, Ward LC, Kenealy T, Cutfield W. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-An Easy Tool for Quantifying Body Composition in Infancy? Nutrients. 2020 Mar 27;12(4):920. doi: 10.3390/nu12040920. PMID: 32230758; PMCID: PMC7230643.
