Why assess body composition?
Whether for health reasons or aesthetics, knowing what your body composition is allows you to set appropriate goals as well as track the success of the interventions you are making.
The amount of body fat and distribution of our body fat as well as your lean mass levels and water levels can tell us a lot about one’s health and potential imbalances or health risks that may be present.
Body composition is linked to and can influence several areas:
- Inflammation and inflammatory conditions
- Immune function and balance
- Hormonal levels and balance
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
How accurate is body composition testing?
At Steve Grant Health we have looked at several different devices and methodologies for assessing body composition. This included looking at research on specific devices, their accuracy as well as balancing it with the practicalities of repeat measurements, invasiveness of the methodology, exposure to radiation, cost and so forth.
Having looked at all these areas we decided to add the SECA mBCA 525 device to our clinic. This Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) device allows us to repeat tests at any frequency due to no radiation exposure, and at a significantly lower cost compared to the likes of DEXA and MRI.
The SECA mBCA 525 has an exceptionally high accuracy and repeatability compared to gold standard assessments of body composition, and the research data on the SECA device demonstrated its effectiveness vs all other forms of BIA such as the popular InBody Machines.
Gold Standards for Body Composition Testing
This device has impressive consistency with the respected gold standards of body composition assessment.
Within 98% accuracy compared to the gold standard 4C model for fat free mass
Within 98% accuracy for total body water in comparison to the D2O dilution method
Within 95% accuracy for extracellular water in comparison to the NaBr dilution method
Within 97% accuracy for muscle mass in comparison to the gold standard MRI
MRI Validation Study
“The validated eight electrode, segmental multifrequency Seca mBCA is an accurate tool for measuring body composition”
“Due to its quick and non-invasive measuring procedure the Seca mBCA is a recommended tool for the estimation of body composition”
(Jensen & Kluckmann)
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
“When compared with DEXA, MRI-based BIA equations are more accurate for predicting muscle mass”.
(Westphal Et al, 2017)
What does our Body Composition Assessment cover
The assessment covers the following areas of body composition and you will be presented with a PDF with your results in relation to norms and averages of similar populations accounting for gender, ethnicity etc
Fat Mass
Total in kg, Body fat %, Visceral Fat and your Fat Mass Index
Muscle Mass
Whole body muscle mass in kg, individual limbs, and core
Water
Total body water, extracellular water, and the ratio of both
Phase Angle
Number and health of somatic cells. A marker associated to general health.
Energy
Predictive calculations for total energy expenditure and resting energy expenditure
Other
Height
Weight
Waist Circumference
Fat Free Mass
Fat Free Mass Index
Options and prices
Body Composition Assessment
• Body composition assessment
• Discussion of results with one of our team
• Emailed Report & Report Guide
• Appointment typically takes up to 30mins
£75
or
Buy 5 & Get 1 Free
Body Composition ASSESSMENT & NUTRITION CONSULTATION Package
Body Composition Assessment
Discussion of results with one of our team
Personalised nutrition recommendations
Body composition & nutrition guidance report
Appointment typically takes up to 60mins
£195 + VAT
or
Buy 5 & Get 1 Free
Frequently Asked Questions
Whilst the research suggests that assessments with BIA is safe with all populations, we still currently operate a policy where the following clients are unable to do this test without the all clear from their specialist or medical professional. Anyone with the following:
- Pacemaker
- Defibrillator
- Nerve stimulator
- Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
We have the following client instructions before taking the measurement to maximise the accuracy of the results:
- Prior to the measurements it is important that you refrain from physical activity, as this will raise core body temperature, and this can skew the results. All measurements should take place before any exercise and in a rested and relaxed state.
- The accuracy is also dictated by the accuracy of the weight and height measurements. Your weight measurements should always be taken under the same conditions with the same accurate measuring scales, this will be done in clinic or with scales provided by the clinician prior to your measurement taking place.
- Ideally measurements are performed before a meal or some hours after.
- Immediately before weighing, no large amounts of liquid should be consumed, and the bladder should be emptied.
- We will first assess your height, body weight and waist circumference as well as ask some questions about your general daily activity and exercise demands.
- You will then be asked to lie down for at least 5-10 minutes before the measurement takes place. This allows for water to distribute evenly. As you are lying down electrodes will be placed on specific sites on your feet and hands and data will be inputted.
- It is important that you remain still during the measurement.
- The measurement itself will take less than 1 minute.
- After the measurement has taken place, your practitioner can talk you through the results and after the session they will email over a PDF results document. For those performing the measurements as part of a consultation, your results will be taken in context with your goals and further information received as part of our client assessments and ongoing client support.
Slowinski T, Lieker l, Otto B et al. Pilot study on the accuracy of bioimpedance analysis in detection of changes of body fluid composition in patients during a hemodialysis session. Abstract, 4. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für, Nephrologie 2012
Bosy-Westphal A, Jensen B, Braun W, Pourhassan M, Gallagher D, Müller MJ. Quantification of whole-body and segmental skeletal muscle mass using phase-sensitive 8-electrode medical bioelectrical impedance devices. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017 Mar 22 . doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2017.27. [Epub ahead of print] www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/vaop/ncurrent/pdf/ejcn201727a.pdf
Bosy-Westphal A, Schautz B, Later W. Kehayias JJ, Gallagher D, Müller MJ. What makes a BIA equation unique? Validity of eight-electrode multifrequency BIA to estimate body Composition in a healthy adult population. Eur J Clin Nutr 2013; 67: 14-21; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.160
S Peine, S Knabe, I Carrero, M Brundert, J Wilhelm, A Ewert, U Denzer, B Jensen and P Lilburn; Generation of normal ranges for measures of body composition in adults based on bioelectrical impedance analysis using the seca mBCA; International Journal of Body Composition Research 2013 Vol. 11 No. 3 & 4: 67-76
Enquire now about body composition testing
Body Composition Enquiry Form
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