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BIA

Dec 26 2023
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The Importance of Phase Angle for Athletes’ Performance

By BIA, Body Composition, Body Composition Analysis, Fitness, Medical, Muscle, Nutrition

Outline

In the realm of elite sports, achieving and maintaining peak performance is a multifaceted endeavor. Athletes and coaches constantly seek innovative methods to enhance performance, optimize recovery, and prevent injuries.

Among the various metrics and tools at their disposal, one that stands out for its unique insights is the measurement of Phase Angle (PA). This blog post delves into the significance of Phase Angle for athletes, offering essential tips for leveraging this metric for improved performance and recovery.

Image of a male athlete in mid-stride running on an outdoor track field with his max performance

What is Phase Angle?

Phase Angle is a key metric derived from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), a method used by high-tech devices like InBody. It measures the integrity of body cells and quantity of an athlete’s lean body mass, reflecting the health of their cells and tissues. In simple terms, Phase Angle provides a snapshot of an athlete’s cellular health, which is a cornerstone of their overall physical condition.

Whole Body Phase Angle which related to athletes' performance

Research Insights on Phase Angle and Muscular Performance

Recent research further underscores the significance of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)-derived Phase Angle (PhA) in assessing muscular performance among athletes.

A comprehensive study involving 117 adult athletes from diverse sports backgrounds examined the correlation between whole-body PhA and muscular performance. Key performance metrics, including handgrip strength and countermovement jump power, were evaluated in relation to both WB and regional PhA, alongside lean soft tissue measurements obtained via BIA and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

The findings were revealing: whole-body PhA showed a positive association with both relative power and relative absolute strength, independent of lean soft tissue.

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This implies that PhA, whether measured for the entire body or a specific region, can be a useful indicator of muscle health, which is important for assessing an athlete’s performance.
A graph illustrating 'Segmental Body Phase Angle' measurements at frequencies of 5kHz, 50kHz, and 250kHz for different body parts labeled RA (Right Arm), LA (Left Arm), TR (Torso), RL (Right Leg), and LL (Left Leg). The body parts are color-coded with pink for clarity.

Why is Phase Angle Crucial for Athletes?

  1. Muscle Quality Assessment: The Phase Angle is an indicator of muscle health and function. For athletes, a higher Phase Angle is typically associated with better muscle quality, which is crucial for strength, endurance, and performance.
  1. Training and Recovery Insights: Monitoring changes in Phase Angle can help in assessing the impact of training regimes and recovery strategies. A decreasing Phase Angle might suggest inadequate recovery, or emerging health issues.
  1. Nutritional Evaluation: When Phase Angle and muscle mass remain stagnant, it could suggest that the dietary plan was not adhered to as strictly as the training regimen required. Nutritional evaluation, including the optimization of dietary plans based on Phase Angle, becomes crucial to ensure the body receives the appropriate balance of nutrients for effective muscle development and recovery.

Maximizing Performance with Phase Angle

Athletes with a higher Phase Angle generally have better cellular health, which correlates with greater and stronger muscle mass. Athletes looking to maximize their performance can benefit significantly from monitoring their Phase Angle. Here are some ways to use Phase Angle data effectively:

  1. Personalized Training Programs: Understanding individual variations in cellular health can lead to customized training programs that cater to specific needs and goals.
  1. Optimized Recovery Strategies: Phase Angle can indicate the body’s state of stress and recovery. Athletes can use this data to tailor their recovery protocols, ensuring adequate rest and recuperation.
  2. Nutritional Adjustments: Regular monitoring of Phase Angle can signal the need for nutritional adjustments. Athletes can work with nutritionists to modify their diet, focusing on nutrients that enhance cellular health and performance.

Phase Angle could help coach to understand the recovery of the athlete

Injury Recovery Tracking and Enhanced Rehabilitation

Phase Angle is not only related to sports performance, but it is also a crucial tool for tracking the progress and effectiveness of injury recovery and rehabilitation. Here is how Phase Angle can be utilized in these areas:

  1. Phase Angle as an Indicator of Injury Recovery: An increasing Phase Angle can be an early indicator of improvement for injury, allowing the health practitioner to know that the athletes are complying with the rehab instructions.
  1. Tailored Rehabilitation Programs: If the phase angle is declining or not improving, it could indicate that the current rehab routine is not suitable for the athletes. Monitoring the phase angle during the recovery process can help design rehabilitation programs that promote faster and more effective healing.
  1. Return-to-Play Decisions: Accurate assessment of an athlete’s readiness to return to play post-injury is crucial. Phase Angle measurements can provide objective data to support these decisions.

Photo of a person sitting on a yoga mat and receiving help to perform a leg exercise using a green foam roller, focusing on the calf muscle. The individual helping is wearing a white shirt and gray pants, while the person exercising is in a gray sweatshirt and blue leggings.

Actionable Tips for Improving Phase Angle

Improving Phase Angle is synonymous with enhancing cellular health, muscle quality, and overall physical well-being. Athletes can take several actionable steps to positively influence their Phase Angle readings:

  1. Balanced and Nutrient-Dense Diet: Focus on a diet rich in nutrients that support cellular health, including antioxidants, healthy fats, and adequate proteins. Hydration is equally crucial.
  1. Regular Strength and Conditioning Training: Incorporate a balanced mix of strength, endurance, and flexibility training to enhance muscle quality and overall physical health.
  1. Adequate Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest and recovery, including quality sleep, rest days, and active recovery sessions, to allow the body to repair and strengthen.
  1. Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact cellular health. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation practices.
  1. Regular Health Check-ups: Besides tracking Phase Angle, regular health check-ups can provide a comprehensive view of an athlete’s health status and inform adjustments in training and lifestyle.
A coach in a white T-shirt and two male athletes, one in a blue tank top and the other in a black T-shirt, are discussing strategy over a clipboard on a bench beside a basketball court. The coach appears to be explaining tactics with the players attentive.

Concluding Thoughts: The Transformative Impact of Phase Angle

Understanding and utilizing Phase Angle can be a game-changer for athletes at all levels. This metric offers a deeper insight into the body’s inner workings, going beyond traditional measures of fitness and performance. By focusing on improving their Phase Angle, athletes can enhance their performance, speed up recovery, prevent injuries, and potentially extend their sports careers.

Regular monitoring of Phase Angle, combined with tailored training and recovery strategies, can help athletes stay at the top of their game. The integration of this metric into sports regimes signifies a move towards more personalized and effective athletic training and health management.

In conclusion, Phase Angle is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of an athlete’s overall health and a predictor of their athletic potential. By embracing this powerful tool, athletes and coaches can unlock new levels of performance and longevity in sports.

Dec 17 2023
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Why Does Muscle Mass Matter for Patients in Hospitalization?

By BIA, Blog, Body Composition, Body Composition Analysis, Medical

Outline

The Vital Importance of Muscle Mass in Hospitalized Patients

Muscle mass plays an essential role far beyond just strength and mobility; it is a crucial determinant of health outcomes for patients in hospitals. This challenge is further magnified in a hospital setting, where patients often experience prolonged bed rest and limited physical activity, leading to accelerated muscle loss.

Particularly alarming is the fact that critically ill patients can lose almost 2% of their skeletal muscle daily during the first week of ICU admission. Understanding and addressing this rapid deterioration of muscle mass is vital, especially in the context of hospital care.

Importance of Muscle Mass for Inpatient

Why Shouldn’t We Ignore Inpatient Muscle Mass?

  1. Enhanced Recovery Rates: Adequate muscle mass is associated with better overall recovery. Patients with higher muscle mass often experience shorter hospital stays and an improved ability to resume daily activities post-discharge.
  1. Reduced Complications: Strong muscles support not only movement but also contribute to better immune system functioning. This can lead to fewer complications, such as infections or pressure sores, during hospital stays.
  1. Lower Risk of Readmission: Studies have shown that patients with lower muscle mass and sarcopenia have a higher chance of hospital readmission. Maintaining muscle mass can be a protective factor against recurring disease complications and hospital visits.

The Consequences of Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Patients

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that occurs with ageing or as a result of certain medical conditions.

Sarcopenia frequently develops during hospitalization in acute care facilities. Hospital-associated sarcopenia can manifest not only in acute care hospitals but also in rehabilitation and long-term care hospitals.

Acute sarcopenia specifically pertains to sarcopenia that primarily arises during an acute hospitalization and carries significant implications.

  1. Increased Mortality Risk: According to Lee et al. (2020), muscle loss in the first week of a critical illness is linked with five times higher odds of mortality within 60 days.
  2. Functional Decline: A decline in muscle mass can lead to reduced functional capacity, affecting basic activities like walking and self-care. This is known as sarcopenia, a condition where muscle loss is directly correlated with decreased walking speed and grip strength.
💡 Muscle mass loss due to prolonged bed rest or inactivity can increase the risk of injuries and worsen the disease. This can be demonstrated in Segmental Lean Analysis (refer to the diagram below). It shows that a reduction in muscle mass in the lower limbs could serve as an indication for healthcare practitioners to intervene.
Segmental Lean Analysis is used to check muscle mass in hospitalized patients.

3. Long-Term Disability and Institutionalization: The loss of muscle strength and mass can extend the need for care even after discharge, increasing the risk of long-term disability and the likelihood of requiring institutional care.

4. Psychological Effects: Loss of muscle mass can lead to decreased independence, contributing to feelings of helplessness and depression, which can further impede recovery.

Patients need enough muscle mass for recovery and mobility

Strategies to Preserve Inpatient Muscle Mass

The final part of our exploration into inpatient muscle mass focuses on strategies and interventions that can help preserve muscle mass during hospital stays, thereby enhancing patient recovery and long-term health outcomes.

Effective Interventions for Maintaining Muscle Mass

  1. Early Mobilization: Encouraging patients to engage in physical activity as soon as medically feasible is crucial. Even simple activities like sitting up, standing, or short walks can make a significant difference.
  1. Nutritional Support: Adequate nutrition, particularly protein intake, is essential for muscle maintenance. Hospitals should provide tailored nutritional plans that meet the specific needs of each patient, especially those at high risk of muscle loss.
  1. Resistance Training: Whenever possible, incorporating resistance exercises can help maintain and even build muscle mass. This can range from light resistance bands to more structured weight-lifting programs, depending on the patient’s condition.
  1. Physical Therapy: Physical therapists play a key role in designing individualized exercise programs that safely target muscle preservation and strength building.

Tailoring Interventions to Individual Needs with InBody

Effective management of muscle loss in hospitalized patients hinges on early detection and tailored interventions. InBody’s body composition analyzers emerge as crucial tools in this endeavour. These advanced devices provide accurate muscle mass measurements, empowering healthcare providers to identify patients at risk of muscle atrophy early in their hospital stay.

    1. Utilizing InBody for Early Identification: By utilizing InBody’s precise measurements, medical staff can accurately identify individuals who are showing signs of decreased muscle mass. This early detection is especially crucial for high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions. One way to assess the risk of sarcopenia is by evaluating the patient’s Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI).

 

💡 The Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) is a measurement used to assess muscle mass. SMI values below 7.0 kg/m^2 in men and 5.7 kg/m^2 in women are considered one of the diagnostic criterias for sarcopenia. Evaluating a patient’s SMI allows healthcare providers to determine the severity of muscle loss and plan appropriate interventions to address it.

Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) are used to analyse hospitalized patients' muscle mass

BWA to assess hospitalized patients' muscle mass 2. Setting Data-Driven Goals: InBody analyzers are not just diagnostic tools; they are integral to rehabilitation and recovery programs. Healthcare providers can use InBody data to set measurable goals for muscle mass improvement and to tailor interventions like nutritional plans and physical therapy regimes.

3. BWA 2.0: Specialized Care for Immobile Patients: The BWA 2.0 body water analyzer is designed to meet the specific needs of wheelchair or bedridden patients. It allows for supine testing, measuring muscle mass while the patient is lying down, providing comfort and ease in less than 90 seconds. This feature is crucial for accurate assessment in patients who are unable to use standard body composition analyzers in standing posture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Interdisciplinary Approach Enhanced by InBody: The collaboration among doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dietitians, and physical therapists is enriched through the data provided by InBody. This comprehensive approach ensures that muscle mass preservation strategies are well-coordinated and effective.
  1. Patient and Family Education Empowered by InBody Data: Educating patients and their families about the importance of muscle mass and ways to support muscle health is crucial. InBody’s clear and precise data can be used to inform and empower patients and their families, encouraging active participation in the recovery process.

Through the use of InBody’s technology, hospitals can ensure a more personalized and effective approach to combating muscle atrophy, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the importance of muscle mass in hospitalized patients and implementing strategies to preserve it are crucial for improving health outcomes in hospitalized patients. By focusing on early mobilization, nutritional support, resistance training, and tailored interventions, healthcare providers can significantly impact patients’ recovery trajectories, quality of life, and overall health.

Through proactive and collaborative efforts, we can ensure that muscle mass is not just an afterthought in patient care but a central component of effective hospital treatment and recovery.

Oct 24 2023
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Phase Angle: A New Key for Diabetes Care

By BIA, Body Composition, Body Composition Analysis, Diabetes, Nutrition

Key Takeaways

  • Phase angle, a reflection of whole-body cellular condition, is obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
  • Diabetic patients typically have a smaller phase angle compared to healthy individuals.
  • Phase angle is negatively influenced by HbA1c.
  • Various factors like HbA1c, age, sex, albumin level, and body mass index independently determine phase angle in diabetic participants.
  • Phase angle offers a noninvasive insight into nutritional status, making it an invaluable tool in diabetes management.

Delving into Phase Angle

Phase angle (PhA), obtained from a non-invasive method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), provides information about the overall health of cells and the body’s nutritional status. It is used in various fields, such as medicine, nutrition, and sports, and has become an important tool in health assessments.

Phase Angle

Understanding Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

BIA non-invasively measures body composition by applying a minor alternating current to the body and measuring the resultant impedance. Within this impedance, two primary components can be identified:

  • Resistance (R): Represents resistance both inside and outside cells, predominantly from lipid components.
  • Reactance (Xc): Denotes resistance specific to the cell membrane.

The Phase Angle serves as a valuable indicator of cellular health, reflecting the properties of the cell membrane and the balance of intra- and extracellular water. It is an invaluable tool in assessing and monitoring the overall health and nutritional status of individuals, particularly in diabetes management.

The Significance of Phase Angle

Phase angle remains unaffected by factors like body fluid, height, or weight. Instead, it provides a window into cellular health, reflecting the properties of the cell membrane and the balance of intra- and extracellular water. Positive correlations have been noted between PhA levels and nutritional indicators. Critically, low PhA levels have been linked to malnutrition, prolonged hospital stays, and even mortality in intensive care units.

Diabetes Phase Angle

Phase Angle’s Interplay with Diabetes

People with diabetes have lower PhA values than people without diabetes. This is because the high blood sugar in diabetics can damage cell membranes and impair their function. The severity of the decrease in PhA is related to the severity of diabetes and the degree of blood sugar control.

Diebetics daily routine

Diving into the Research

A retrospective study encompassing multiple centers was undertaken with Japanese diabetic patients. Utilizing BIA, body composition was analyzed, and phase angles were derived. The focus was on discerning the relationship between phase angle, clinical parameters, body composition, and HbA1c levels.

Key Outcomes of the Research

  • Phase Angle & HbA1c: A negative influence of HbA1c on phase angle was evident (B = − 0.043, 95% Confidence interval: − 0.07 to − 0.02).
  • For every 1% increase in HbA1c (which indicates higher blood sugar levels over time), the phase angle (a measure of cellular health) decreases by about 0.043 degrees.

Drawing Conclusions Phase angle’s capacity to serve as a straightforward, noninvasive metric of nutritional status becomes evident. Its potential as a crucial instrument in diabetes management cannot be understated.

For those seeking precision in measuring phase angles, InBody’s advanced BIA technology stands out. By providing accurate, non-invasive phase angle assessments, InBody aids healthcare professionals in elevating the care standard for diabetic patients.

The Practical Implications of Phase Angle in Diabetes Care

Incorporating Phase Angle in Routine Diabetic Assessments Given the relationship between Phase Angle and diabetes, incorporating PhA measurements into routine diabetes care can prove beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Comprehensive Health Status Indicator: Apart from just blood sugar levels, PhA offers a broader perspective on the overall health of the patient.
  2. Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: Changes in PhA can serve as indicators of how effective a treatment regimen is. For instance, improving PhA values might suggest enhanced cellular health resulting from the treatment.
  3. Predicting Complications: A declining PhA might be an early sign of complications, allowing timely interventions.

Phase Angle as a Nutritional Barometer in Diabetes

Diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Given that PhA can be a reflection of nutritional status, it offers insights into the adequacy of nutrition in diabetic patients.

Factors Influencing PhA in Diabetics:

  • Glycemic Control: Better controlled blood sugars can lead to improved PhA values, suggesting healthier cells.
  • Dietary Quality: Diets rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and micronutrients might promote healthier cell membranes, potentially resulting in a higher PA.
  • Hydration: Since PhA reflects intra- and extracellular water conditions, any water retention due to inflammation can influence PhA values.

Blood glucose of diabetics

Optimizing Phase Angle Values: Recommendations for Diabetic Patients

  1. Routine PhA Measurements: Consider integrating regular PhA measurements into diabetes care. Devices like InBody provide reliable readings.
  2. Balanced Diet & Nutrition: Emphasize a nutritionally balanced diet with high fiber and rich in essential nutrients. This not only supports blood sugar control but may also positively impact PA.
  3. Staying Hydrated: Ensure adequate hydration levels, adjusting based on physical activity and other factors.
  4. Engaging in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise enhances cellular health and overall body function, potentially leading to improved PhA values.
  5. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check other markers, like HbA1c, to ensure holistic diabetes management.

[Disclaimer: It’s always essential for patients to consult with healthcare professionals before making any changes to their routine or management strategies.]

Advanced Technologies & Phase Angle’s Future in Diabetes Management

InBody and the Revolution in Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

The criticality of accurate Phase Angle measurements in diabetes management cannot be stressed enough. This is where cutting-edge technologies like those from InBody come to the fore:

  • Precision: InBody’s BIA technology ensures that Phase Angle measurements are not just accurate but also consistent over time.
  • User-friendly Interface: With a simple setup and user-friendly interface, InBody makes it possible even for individuals without technical expertise to obtain their Phase Angle measurements.
  • Integration with Medical Systems: With compatibility for integration into broader healthcare systems, InBody devices can be an invaluable addition to clinical settings, ensuring that data is seamlessly incorporated into patients’ medical records.

Contact our team today to further understand how InBody can be an invaluable addition to your clinical setting. Take the next step towards enhanced patient care and comprehensive health management.

Final Thoughts

The use of Phase Angle in diabetes management represents the combination of technology and holistic health management. As we keep innovating, tools like InBody not only improve our current abilities but also create opportunities for the future. Phase Angle, with its non-invasive nature and deep insights, is ready to change not only diabetes management but also healthcare in general.

This research summary is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of diabetes management. It highlights the significance of phase angle in diabetes care and the practical implications of incorporating phase angle measurements into routine assessments.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your approach to diabetes management. Click here to download the PDF and take the next step towards comprehensive health management.

Aug 20 2023
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Most People Do It Wrong! Here’s the Right Way on How to Measure Body Fat.

By BIA, Blog, Body Composition Analysis

Are you trying to lose weight but not seeing the results you want on the scale? It’s time to take a closer look at your body composition and learn how to measure body fat.

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of various methods for measuring body fat percentage. One of the most precise and convenient options is using InBody devices. By understanding your body fat percentage and tracking changes over time, you can get a clearer picture of your progress and make more informed decisions about your health and fitness goals.

Although InBody’s advanced technology offers one of the most precise measurements available today, it’s worth examining the pros and cons of other methods as well.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI):

Many people believe that measuring body fat can be achieved by measuring their body weight alone. However, they may not realize that fluctuations in body weight may not directly reflect changes in body fat.

While BMI is a commonly used tool that provides an estimate of body fatness based on height and weight, it may not be the most accurate gauge for everyone as it can’t differentiate between weight from fat and weight from muscle.

  • What it is: BMI provides an estimate of body fatness for most people using body weight and height.
  • The formula for BMI is: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2
  • Limitation: It doesn’t differentiate between fat weight and muscle weight.

Body weight measurement

2. Skinfold Calipers:

This manual method measures the thickness of skinfolds at specific body sites. The results can estimate body fat percentage. However, the accuracy varies based on the skill of the person administering the test. While it’s cost-effective, it’s essential to get measurements from a trained professional.

Skinfold caliper for body fat measurement

  • What it is: This method measures the thickness of skinfolds at specific body locations and uses a specific formula to calculate the body fat of the subject.
  • Limitation: Accuracy can be highly impacted by the administrator’s skill.

3. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA):

This method, used by InBody devices, sends a small electrical current through the body. By measuring resistance due to fat and lean tissues’ differing conductive properties, the device provides your body fat percentage.

Modern tools like those from InBody have fine-tuned this technology, offering detailed and accurate results. Remember, hydration level and meal timing can impact results, so consistency in test conditions is crucial.

  • What it is: Devices like InBody send a mild electrical current through the body. By assessing resistance, the InBody device estimates body fat percentage.
  • Advantage: InBody offers more consistent and precise results due to its advanced BIA technology.

InBody as one of the method on how to measure body fat

4. Hydrostatic Weighing:

Also known as underwater weighing, this method submerges you in water to compare weights. Due to the difference in density between fat and other tissues, this method can provide a precise estimate of body fat percentage. However, it requires specialized equipment and is not as easily accessible.

Hydrostatic Weighing

Image source: www.verywellfit.com

  • What it is: This method submerges you in water to compare your underwater weight to your weight outside of water.
  • Limitation: This method can be expensive and is not suitable for all patients, as it requires submersion in water and specialized equipment.

5. Air Displacement Plethysmography (Bod Pod):

This innovative method measures body volume by assessing the amount of air displaced in a chamber. While offering a detailed picture of body composition, it can be on the pricier side and necessitate specialized equipment.

  • What it is: Measures body volume by determining how much air is displaced when you’re in a chamber.
  • Limitation: Can be expensive and requires specialized equipment.

Bod Pod as one of the body fat measurement methods

6. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA Scan):

A DEXA scan is considered one of the gold standards for providing information on fat distribution, lean tissue, and bone mineral density. It is mostly found in hospitals to test for bone mass and bone health, and to assess the risk of osteoporosis. However, due to the high cost and specialized equipment required, its widespread use is limited.

  • What it is: One of the gold standards in body fat measurement uses X-rays to measure lean tissue, fat mass, and bone mineral density.
  • Limitation: It is more expensive and requires specific equipment, with the risk of exposure to radiation.

DEXA scan

Image source: https://www.cdc.gov/

7. Others:

While the methods mentioned above are among the most popular, there are other techniques available, such as near-infrared interaction, ultrasonography, MRI, and CT scans. However, these resources vary in accuracy and application, and are not easily accessible to every individual.

Why Choose InBody for Measuring Body Fat:

Among all the methods discussed, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) stands out, especially when considering the advancements InBody has made in the technology. Not only does it provide an accurate measurement of body fat, but it also delivers other valuable metrics like skeletal muscle mass and total body water.

InBody devices offer a non-invasive, quick, and reliable answer to the question of how to measure body fat. With consistency in measurement conditions, you can track changes over time, aiding in monitoring your health and progress.

How to use InBody to measure body fat?

The InBody line of devices utilizes Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to assess body composition, which includes measurements such as percent body fat, skeletal muscle mass, and more. Percent Body Fat (PBF) is one of the key measurements provided by these devices.

Percent Body Fat (PBF), in the context of InBody and other body composition analyses, refers to the proportion of your total weight that is fat. Specifically, it can be calculated using the following formulas:

PBF = (Total Fat Mass / Total Body Weight) x 100

For instance, if your weight is 68 kilograms and 14 kilograms of that weight is fat, then your PBF would be:

PBF = (14 kg / 68 kg) x 100 = 20.6%

Percent Body Fat Normal Range in InBody

In InBody, it is considered normal for males to have a body fat percentage of 10-20% and for females to have a body fat percentage of 18-28%. However, we do not recommend that you compare your body fat measurements from other devices or methods to our normal range, as their normal range may differ due to different formulas and methods used.

When using devices like InBody, it’s important to ensure that the test is administered under consistent conditions to get the most accurate and comparable results over time. For instance, hydration status, meal timing, and recent exercise can all influence BIA readings, so it’s beneficial to measure under similar circumstances each time.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to measure body fat is vital for anyone serious about health and fitness. It provides a clearer picture than weight alone. While there are multiple methods available, devices like InBody offer the perfect balance of precision, convenience, and comprehensive data. By investing in understanding your body composition, you’re taking a significant step towards a healthier you.

Jun 20 2023
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Achieve a Lean Muscular Body with InBody

By BIA, Body Composition, Corporate Wellness, Muscle

Achieving a lean muscular body is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts and athletes. It not only improves physical appearance but also enhances overall health and fitness.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of strength training in building lean muscle mass, reducing body fat, and using advanced body composition analysis like InBody to track your progress. By following these principles, you’ll be well on your way to a lean, muscular body.

strength training for muscular body

Strength Training: The Key to a Lean Muscular Body

Strength training is crucial for developing a lean muscular body, as it helps increase lean muscle mass, burn calories more efficiently, and improve overall health and fitness. Incorporating strength training into your fitness routine not only enhances physical appearance but also provides a myriad of health benefits, such as injury prevention and better posture.

Here are some essential tips highlighting the importance of strength training in building muscle:

  • Compound exercises: Focus on compound exercises, like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows, which target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. These exercises help build muscle mass, improve functional strength, and stimulate greater hormonal responses for muscle growth.
  • Progressive overload: Gradually increase the weight, sets, repetitions, or rest time between sets to challenge your muscles and promote muscle growth. This principle ensures that your muscles adapt and grow stronger over time.
  • Train consistently: Aim to train each muscle group at least twice a week for optimal muscle growth. Consistency in your training routine will lead to better results and help prevent plateaus.
  • Mind-muscle connection: Focus on the contraction and control of your muscles during each exercise. Establishing a strong mind-muscle connection can help activate the target muscle group more effectively and lead to better muscle development.
  • Adequate recovery: Give your muscles time to recover and grow by scheduling rest days or alternating between muscle groups. Proper recovery is crucial for muscle growth and preventing overtraining.

By incorporating these strength training tips into your fitness routine, you will be well on your way to building a lean, muscular body.

Nutrition for lean muscular body

Maintaining a Healthy Metabolism and Nutrition

Once your metabolism is in check, you can manipulate foods to help you lose weight and implement an effective training schedule to add muscle to your body. Building muscle is hard work and requires excellent sports nutrition. Make sure to consume a balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle growth and recovery.

Here are some nutritional tips for achieving a lean, muscular body:

  • Prioritize protein intake: Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Aim to consume a source of high-quality protein with every meal, including lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy, legumes, and protein supplements.
  • Opt for complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide a sustained source of energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. These carbs are crucial for fueling your workouts and supporting muscle recovery.
  • Incorporate healthy fats: Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, play a vital role in hormone production and overall health. Ensure that you consume adequate amounts of healthy fats daily.

Consistency and Monitoring Your Progress

Consistency is crucial when working toward a lean, muscular body. Stick to your strength training routine and maintain a balanced diet to see results over time.

Tracking lean muscular body with InBody

Tracking your progress with tools like the InBody analysis can help you stay motivated and make any necessary adjustments to your training and nutrition plan.

The InBody devices, a body composition analyzer is an advanced tool that provides accurate, quick, and non-invasive assessments of your body composition, including Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) and body fat percentage.

We understand that achieving a lean muscular body is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts and athletes. It not only improves physical appearance but also enhances overall health and fitness. That’s why InBody provides age-specific evaluation by InBody Big Data, a comprehensive analysis that considers your age group in order to provide a more personalized and accurate assessment of your body composition.

The InBody 970 provides an age-evaluation graph that focuses on Skeletal Muscle Mass. This allows you to compare your current muscle with the reference range, which helps you determine whether your current muscle mass is adequate compared to the InBody big data.

With this feature, the InBody 970 can provide Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and Skeletal Muscle Mass by age, based on globally accumulated InBody Big Data. This allows you to compare your data to the data of the young age group (T-score) and the same age group (Z-score), providing a more detailed understanding of your body composition.

With the ability to compare your data to others within your age group, you can see how you measure up and potentially identify areas for improvement. This feature adds an extra layer of analysis to the InBody 970, making it an even more valuable tool for those looking to achieve a lean muscular body.

Conclusion

Achieving a lean muscular body requires a combination of strength training, proper nutrition, and monitoring your progress using advanced body composition analysis tools like InBody.

By focusing on muscle gain, incorporating effective strength training techniques, maintaining a healthy metabolism and nutrition plan, and tracking your progress consistently, you will be well on your way to a lean, muscular body.

Remember that patience and perseverance are vital, and with time and effort, you will see the results you desire.

May 27 2023
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ECW Ratio: The Overlooked Health Indicator About Inflammation

By BIA, Body Composition, Medical

Extracellular Water (ECW) Ratio, a critical parameter in body composition analysis, plays a significant role in understanding various health conditions. One of the lesser-known connections is between the ECW Ratio and inflammation, which can impact overall health and wellness.

This blog post will delve into the hidden link between the ECW Ratio and inflammation, exploring how the ECW Ratio is associated with acute and chronic inflammation. By understanding these connections, we can better monitor, manage, and improve the health of different kinds of patients.

What is ECW Ratio and Why Does It Matter?

The ECW Ratio is an important indicator of body water balance, which measures the proportion of extracellular water (the fluid outside cells) to total body water (the combined amount of water inside and outside cells).

Patient's ECW ratio exceeds the upper limit of the normal range.

In a healthy state, the ECW Ratio should range between 0.360 to 0.390. When the ECW Ratio falls outside this range, it may indicate potential health concerns.

A ratio higher than the normal range may suggest an excess of extracellular water, which can be associated with inflammation and other health conditions such as heart and kidney disease.

By looking at how the ECW Ratio equation is calculated above, you will be able to understand the underlying factors and how they are linked to inflammation in the body.

[Note: Total Body Water (TBW) = Extracellular Water (ECW) + Intracellular Water (ICW).]

 

The increase in ECW Ratio is often due to two factors:

  • An increase in ECW
  • A decrease in ICW

In this blog post, we will primarily discuss the increase in extracellular water (ECW) and its link to inflammation in our body.

Acute Inflammation and ECW Ratio

Acute inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. It is a necessary and beneficial process that helps the body heal and repair damaged tissue. Acute inflammation can cause localized edema, which may affect the ECW Ratio by increasing extracellular water in the affected area.

Close-up of a young man with a knee injury and signs of inflammation.

The Segmental ECW Ratio Analysis allows health professionals to identify any body segments that may experience circulation issues that could be due to health conditions, rehabilitation (injury), or peripheral edema.

Segmental ECW Ratio

The Segmental ECW Ratio Analysis is a useful tool for health professionals to identify circulation issues in different parts of the body. By identifying the ECW Ratio in specific body segments, the analysis can help pinpoint potential injuries or inflammation that may be present in certain parts of the body segment.

Additionally, the analysis can be used to monitor circulation during rehabilitation from injury, as well as track the progression of peripheral edema in patients. With this information, health professionals can develop more targeted treatment plans to address circulation issues and improve overall health outcomes for their patients.*

Chronic Inflammation and ECW Ratio

Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-grade inflammation that can have serious health consequences if left unchecked.

It can cause swelling, which can lead to an increase in extracellular water and affect the reading of the ECW Ratio. This can be particularly problematic for patients with chronic diseases, such as heart and kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer, who may already be dealing with imbalances in their body water distribution.

By understanding the link between chronic inflammation and swelling, healthcare professionals can better monitor and manage the condition, potentially improving outcomes for their patients.

Dialysis patient

Chronic inflammation is a common issue in hemodialysis patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This inflammation is frequently accompanied by malnutrition, resulting in a malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome. One study found that HD patients with low albumin levels and high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which are indicative of inflammation, had a higher risk of mortality.

The ECW Ratio may be useful in this situation, as patients with complications from diseases often require different adjustments to their dry weight. For example, hemodialysis patients with diabetes or low albumin levels will have a higher ECW Ratio value, which needs to be considered when determining the dry weight.

Using the ECW Ratio value in conjunction with trusted bioelectrical impedance analysis can provide healthcare professionals with more informed decision-making capabilities when consulting and intervening with dialysis patients.

How the ECW Ratio is applied in Nephrology?

Monitoring and Managing ECW Ratio and Inflammation

Understanding the hidden link between the ECW Ratio and inflammation highlights the importance of monitoring and managing these factors for optimal health. Reducing inflammation may help maintain a healthy ECW Ratio and prevent the development of chronic health conditions associated with inflammation.

Patients with chronic diseases who require monitoring of their inflammation status and edema symptoms are strongly advised to seek a proper diagnosis and consultation with a medical specialist.*

Conclusion

The hidden link between the ECW Ratio and inflammation is a critical aspect of understanding overall health and well-being. By monitoring the ECW Ratio using InBody devices, individuals and healthcare professionals can assess body water circulation, identify potential imbalances, and take necessary steps to manage inflammation and related health conditions.

Now that you understand how an increase in ECW can result in an increase in the ECW Ratio, you should also be aware that a decrease in ICW can also contribute to an increase in the ECW Ratio.

Check out our blog post on the topic to learn more about the decrease in ICW and its relation to health complications. Understanding both factors could give you a more complete picture of how the ECW Ratio is related to inflammation and how it can affect your overall health and wellness.

*Disclaimer: Please consult your healthcare professional for interpretation of the results and diagnosis.

Apr 16 2023
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A man is having a rest days workout

Rest Days Workout: Train Smarter, Not Harder

By BIA, Body Composition, Fitness

Are you someone who is constantly pushing yourself to your limits during your workout sessions? Do you feel like you need to work out every single day to see results?

If yes, then it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate your approach to exercise, focusing on the importance of rest days in your workout routine. Contrary to popular belief, working out every day may not be the most effective way to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, rest days are just as important as exercise days when it comes to muscle recovery and overall fitness success.

A man is having a rest days workout

The Science Behind Rest Days in a Workout

When we exercise, we put our muscles under stress, causing microscopic damage to muscle fibers. This damage is what leads to muscle soreness and fatigue after a workout.

But it’s during the rest period that the muscles repair and rebuild, leading to stronger muscles. When we give our bodies time to recover, we can perform better during the next workout session. Additionally, rest days help prevent injuries that can result from overuse or fatigue, especially when engaging in high-intensity or repetitive exercise activities.

💡 Research shows that the optimal rest time for muscles to recover is between 48-72 hours for the muscles that were worked during the exercise session. However, the exact rest period needed may vary depending on various factors, such as fitness level, age, and intensity of the workout.

The Benefits of Rest Days in a Workout Routine

Improved Muscle Recovery

Rest days allow your muscles to recover and repair, which leads to improved muscle strength and endurance. Skipping rest days can lead to muscle fatigue and decrease in performance.

Prevents Overtraining

Overtraining can lead to injuries and setbacks in your fitness journey. Taking rest days can help prevent overtraining and allow your body to recharge.

A young guy have a better sleep quality

Better Sleep

Physical activity increases energy-boosting hormones like cortisol.

However, overdoing it can lead to the increase of this hormone, which can negatively impact your quality of sleep and worsen feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.

Rest is essential for allowing your hormones to return to a normal, balanced state and ensuring better sleep quality.

Mental Health Benefits

Rest days can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with exercise. Taking time off can give you a mental break from the pressures of working out and help you feel refreshed and motivated for your next workout.

Tips for Incorporating Rest Days into Your Workout Routine

  1. Plan your rest days: Schedule your rest days into your weekly fitness routine to ensure that you are giving your body adequate time to recover.
  2. Active recovery: Instead of completely taking the day off, consider doing low-intensity activities like yoga or stretching on your rest days.
  3. Listen to your body: If you feel like you need an extra rest day, don’t hesitate to take it. Your body knows best and it’s important to listen to it.
  4. Focus on nutrition: Rest days are the perfect time to focus on your nutrition and make sure that you are fueling your body with the right nutrients.

Importance of Knowing Your Body Composition

If you’re serious about fitness and muscle recovery, then it’s important to know your body composition. This is where the InBody Test comes in. The InBody Test is a non-invasive and quick body composition analysis that provides an accurate breakdown of your weight in terms of muscle, fat, and water. By using the InBody Result Sheet, you can easily track your muscle mass and fat mass, and see how your body composition changes over time.

A man is experiencing pain due to not having any rest days.

Knowing your muscle mass is especially important when it comes to muscle recovery. Rest days are crucial for allowing the muscles to recover, repair, and strengthen. By monitoring your muscle mass with the InBody Test, you can ensure that you’re not losing muscle mass during rest periods, and that you’re taking enough rest days to allow for proper muscle recovery.

Additionally, the InBody Result Sheet provides a detailed analysis of your muscle and fat mass in specific regions of your body, which is known as Segmental Lean Analysis. This allows you to see which areas of your body have higher or lower muscle and fat mass, and make adjustments to your workout routine accordingly.

InBody Segmental Lean Analysis. png

For example, in the picture shown, if you have lower muscle mass in your legs, you may want to incorporate more leg exercises into your fitness routine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rest days are just as important as exercise days when it comes to muscle recovery and overall fitness success. Rest days allow your muscles to recover and repair, prevent overtraining, improve sleep quality, and provide mental health benefits. It’s important to schedule rest days into your weekly fitness routine, and get the progressed track with body composition analysis.

The InBody Test and Result Sheet are valuable tools for monitoring muscle mass and ensuring proper muscle recovery. They enable you to make informed decisions about your workout routine and rest days. InBody devices are trusted by over 200 fitness centers in Malaysia, making it easy for you to locate the nearest center and track your fitness progress.

Where can I get InBody test?

Remember to schedule rest days, listen to your body, and focus on nutrition for optimal muscle recovery and overall fitness. Incorporating information from the InBody test with sports professionals can definitely help with your progress in muscle gain.

Feb 08 2023
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An elderly man wonders how to measure muscle mass.

How to Measure Muscle Mass Accurately: A Gym Beginner’s Guide

By BIA, Blog, Body Composition Analysis, Health, Muscle

Congratulations on taking the first step towards your fitness journey by subscribing to a gym membership! Building muscle and seeing progress can be exciting, but it’s also important to track your progress accurately. This beginner’s guide will cover how to measure muscle mass over time, including a particular focus on using an InBody device.

Download the guide to get an accurate InBody test.

Gym beginner works out with coach

How to measure muscle mass?

There are several ways to keep tabs on your progress, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Some of the most popular approaches are listed below:

1. Visual Inspection

The simplest way to track muscle growth is through visual inspection. This usually involves looking in the mirror or taking photos of your body to see if there is any noticeable change in muscle size. This is why so many gymgoers enjoy posting their accomplishments on social media.

This method is quick and straightforward, but it is also somewhat arbitrary. If you’ve just started working out, it might be difficult to see changes in your muscles within a few weeks.

Even though you are making gains in muscle, it may let you down if the changes aren’t immediately visible in the mirror.

Gym builder inspecting his progress in the mirror

2. Tape Measurements

Taking body circumference measurements using tapes, such as bicep and thigh circumference, is another way to track muscle growth. This method is more accurate than visual inspection.

However, the tape measurement result may be inaccurate, especially if you are overweight. According to research, even medical professionals may struggle to prevent tape measurement errors for their obese patients.

3. Weightlifting Progress Tracking

Monitoring the progression of your weightlifting can help you observe your muscle mass growth. This can be done by recording the weight lifted, repetition count, and set quantity for each workout.

You may download progress-tracking apps like InBody and Strong to assist you. If you see an increase in the weight you can lift or the number of reps you can perform, it is likely that your muscles have grown.

4. Body Composition Analysis

Body composition analysis is a more advanced method of tracking muscle growth.

There are numerous methods for body composition analysis, ranging from a DXA scan, which is one of the gold standard measurements, to a body weighing scale that claims to be able to check your body’s muscle mass.

💡 As one of the high-accuracy alternatives to DXA scanning, InBody devices would be appropriate and cost-effective tools for you to track muscle mass over time.

The InBody devices are currently being used in a growing number of gym settings. Consider finding a convenient location to take an InBody test and track your muscle growth.

Where can I get the InBody test?

An elderly man wonders how to measure muscle mass.

Tips to help you effectively track your muscle mass:

1. Be consistent with your tracking methods.

Always remember that it’s crucial to track your progress using the same method and device. This is due to the fact that different devices may use a different technological and algorithmic approaches to measuring muscle mass. In progress tracking, comparing your results with different devices every month would be misleading.

2. Be mindful of the precautions and steps of measurement.

Many gym goers are not concerned about when to measure and what to look for during the measurement. However, improper posture and measuring right after workouts and meals, for example, definitely lead to inaccuracies in measurement. Your efforts in the workout may be disguised by inaccurate measurement results.

Download the guide to get an accurate InBody test.

3. Track progress regularly, such as every two to four weeks.

Tracking your progress consistently will help you see how far you’ve progressed since the baseline. Knowing whether your current workout and diet plan are appropriate for your specific situation is important. If the results do not match your expectations, you may know it’s time to review your fitness approach.

How frequently should you track your fitness progress?

4. Discuss your progress with an expert.

Discuss your workout plan with a professional regularly. If you receive an InBody result, as shown below, it will be easy for both you and the expert to understand your current progress.

The image above from InBody results clearly illustrates the muscle mass in different body parts.

This can make it easier for you to communicate with an expert, like a physiotherapist or personal trainer. They can give you a lot of personalized advice and point out areas where you can improve.

5. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
You might think your progress is insignificant after scrolling through the attractive physique photos posted by gym enthusiasts. This could be demotivating somehow.

However, they put in a lot of work and it takes them years to succeed. And yet, it’s not surprising to hear that they’ve already been through what you’re going through. It’s worth a blast of celebration even if you discover that you broke your Personal Record (PR) or that you gained 0.1 kg of muscle.

A women is happy with her gains

Conclusion

Measuring muscle growth is an important step in tracking your progress toward your fitness goals. With the right tools and mindset, you can have an idea of how to measure muscle mass accurately and reach your muscle growth goals sooner.

By using these methods and tips, you’ll be able to effectively measure your muscle growth and track your progress toward a stronger, healthier you.

 

 

 

Jan 31 2023
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A mother is watching her daughter having meals

5 Ways to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Parent’s Guide

By BIA, Body Composition, Body Composition Analysis, Children, Health

Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage is essential for a child’s growth and development. In order to prevent childhood obesity, parents and healthcare providers should monitor body fat and educate children on healthy lifestyle choices.

Don’t be worried if your child has more body fat than expected. The good news is that you can help your children maintain a healthy body fat percentage by taking a few simple steps.

A child try to take a strawberry from the table

Healthy food choices to prevent childhood obesity

Food choice is the most important factor determining your child’s health and growth. It’s important for you to help them develop healthy eating habits and limit calorie-rich temptations.

This means avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks. Instead, introduce more nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains into your child’s daily diet.

💡 One of the examples would be keeping a supply of nutritious, ready-to-eat food at home.

These include a variety of fruits that can be consumed raw, like apples, grapes, and bananas.

You could include more dairy products, such as low-fat or flavor-infused milk, cheese, yoghurt, whole-grain snacks, or low-sugar biscuits. Remind your children to pick these foods if they are hungry and in a hurry.

A mother is watching her daughter having meals

Monitor the meal frequency and portion size

Start by encouraging regular meal times and limiting snacking between meals. You’re helping to regulate their appetite and making sure they’re getting the right amount of nutrients for optimal growth and development.

And don’t rush through meals; encourage your child to eat slowly; this way they can learn to recognize when they’re full and prevent overeating.

You should be conscious of the portion sizes you serve your children. To make sure your child eats enough food throughout the day, you may schedule 3 main meals and 2 snacks. If you plan your child’s meals thoughtfully, you can address both the budget and the nutrients needed at the same time.

To ensure that the menu you planned is suitable, you may refer to the checklist below:

  • Is your child eating a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day?
  • Does he consume foods from all food groups?
  • Does he drink milk and plain water on a daily basis?
  • Do you make an effort to prepare meals using healthy cooking methods such as steaming, baking, or roasting on a daily basis?
  • Is the food selection being repeated too frequently? For instance, fried chicken 5 times per week.
  • Is the meal you made high in nutritional value/nutrient density?

Tips to prepare a healthy menu for your children

Parent having outdoor activities with child to prevent childhood obesity

Get your kids to be more active

Parents should also try to limit the amount of screen time that their children are getting, as excessive screen time has been linked to an increased risk of obesity in children.

Instead of nagging your kids to stop spending too much time on their phones or iPads, you should suggest an engaging activity to do together as a substitute for playing games on the phone.

Here are some helpful exercise ideas for you and your kids:

  • Take family walks or play active games together to incorporate physical activity into your family’s daily routine.
  • You could get your kids some new sports equipment that promotes physical activity.
  • Take the kids to places where they can be active, like public parks, community football fields, or basketball courts.

How much physical activity do children need?

A child is sleeping

Make sure your child gets enough sleep

A study that followed nearly 1,000 children from birth to age 15 discovered that earlier bedtimes can have a long-term impact. The researchers discovered that preschoolers who went to bed before 8 p.m. had half the risk of obesity as those who went to bed after 9 p.m.

Given that inadequate sleep is closely related to childhood obesity, it’s important to establish a regular sleep routine with your children.

Stick to the routine as much as possible to ensure your kid gets adequate sleep. This should include a consistent bedtime routine, such as setting a bedtime and wake-up time.

The most important thing is that before they go to sleep, your kids aren’t kept up by things like their favorite iPad movies. To achieve optimal sleeping quality, you are responsible for creating a comfortable and dark sleeping environment for them.

Keeping soda away before bedtime can also be beneficial. The extra sugar and caffeine from soda may also play a factor in poor sleep quality.

How much sleep should your children get?

Keep ‘Percent Body Fat’ on track

Your children’s body weight is increasing most likely from a combination of bone growth, lean muscle development, and fat accumulation.

However, it can be challenging to tell if your kids are gaining the necessary amount of weight. Weight gain could sometimes be a result of higher body fat levels due to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Check the impact of high body fat on your child’s growth.

💡 Most parents may believe that as long as their children do not appear to be overweight, everything is fine. However, there may be unseen risks arising in your child that are not visible to the naked eye.

This is how InBody reveals the “hidden” body fat of a child with a normal BMI.

Childhood Obesity with Normal BMI

The ideal objective should be to concentrate on bone and muscle growth rather than excess body fat. By assessing Percent Body Fat (PBF) on a regular basis with the InBody device, you will be able to determine whether your child’s lifestyle is healthy while under your care.

Get your child an InBody test now.

Summary

Parents are the biggest influence in children’s lives. They look up to you and tend to follow your lifestyle as part of their learning process.

However, simply telling them to live a healthy lifestyle may not be enough. To truly instill healthy habits in your children, you must set a good example as a parent.

Monitoring your child’s body fat and growth consistently to prevent childhood obesity will undoubtedly require some effort.

However, if you discover that your child’s body does not respond well to the effort you put in for their lifestyle changes, a consultation with your family doctor or a pediatrician will definitely be necessary. By doing so, you’ll be able to better comprehend the risks that come with childhood obesity and take measures to prevent them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan 18 2023
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An obese child is having french fries

Childhood Obesity: Impacts on your child’s growth

By BIA, Blog, Body Composition, Body Composition Analysis, Fat mass, Nutrition

Overview

Body fat monitoring is critical for your child’s health, particularly in preventing childhood obesity. Excess body fat can lead to negative health impacts such as weakened immunity, chronic disease, and poor learning capacity. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is one of the methods suggested to measure children’s body fat and evaluate their overall health effectively.

Understand the role of body fat in your child’s growth

You may already be aware that excessive body fat has a number of harmful effects that are being discovered by researchers. Not to mention the flood of awareness about childhood obesity posts in your social media newsfeed.

To most people, body fat may sound incredibly terrifying. But, in reality, body fat is a necessary part of your child’s body that provides energy, supports brain development, and aids in the absorption of vital nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K).

Children height and growth

Nevertheless, higher body fat may have an adverse impact on child growth. According to a study, obesity and excess weight have different effects on boys and girls when it comes to the onset of puberty. It can speed up puberty in girls while delaying it in boys.

What does it mean if puberty happens sooner?

Researchers discovered that once puberty is over, growth stops. These children stop growing sooner because early-onset puberty ends earlier than usual puberty. The final findings show that children who reach puberty earlier have a shorter overall adult height.

An obese child is having french fries

Causes of childhood obesity

Despite the fact that parents’ genetic and hormonal factors can play a role in childhood obesity, study show that the diet provided to your child has a significant impact on their healthy growth.

Your child requires a certain number of calories for growth and development. When they eat more calories than they burn, their bodies store the excess calories as fat.

A poor diet high in fat or sugar and low in nutrients can cause children to gain body fat quickly. Fast food, candy, and soft drinks are all common foods that contribute to the problems.

Lack of exercise is another factor in childhood obesity. When people of all ages are less active, they tend to gain weight. Abnormally long screen time is a major potential barrier to your child being active.

Drawing of childhood obesity

Long-term effects of childhood obesity

You may already be aware that excessive body fat has a number of harmful effects that are being discovered by researchers.

A higher body weight gained during childhood usually indicates a higher accumulation of body fat over time. According to WHO and research, childhood obesity may have various negative impact to your child:

  • breathing difficulties
  • increased risk of fractures
  • hypertension
  • heart disease
  • insulin resistance
  • poor learning capacity
  • lower emotional well-being

Furthermore, if childhood obesity is not addressed at an early stage. This may lead to long-term consequences in their adulthood, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Examine the best ways to protect your child from childhood obesity.

Measuring body fat in your child

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common tool to check whether your child is overweight. Healthcare professionals frequently use BMI-for-age growth charts from the CDC or WHO to monitor children ‘s growth. A BMI above the recommended range could indicate excessive body fat.

However, BMI does not directly measure body fat. It is a calculation based on weight and height. In other words, it does not take into account factors such as muscle mass, water weight, and bone density changes in your child.

For example, a child who has a normal BMI may still have a high body fat percentage. This is why it is important to use other methods to measure body fat. This could give you a more accurate picture of your child’s health.

There are many ways to test your child’s body fat to determine if it is within the normal range.

InBody devices are one of the methods for measuring your child’s body fat effectively. The technique named Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is implemented in InBody devices.

As BIA technology measures body fat in a quick, painless, and non-invasive manner, it is a safe and comfortable option for children. All your kids have to do is stand on the machine and hold the handles for less than a minute.

It can give you more insight into your child’s weight by providing their body composition information, including their body water, muscle mass, and body fat percentage. This information is useful to assess your child’s growth and health over time.

Following a comprehensive test with InBody, a complete result sheet will be printed out on which you can observe your kid’s health condition.

Child's Muscle-Fat AnalysisAccording to the image above, which is part of the sample printed result sheet, this normal weight child has a higher Body Fat Mass than the normal range according to the child’s gender and height.

It would be helpful if your family doctors or other healthcare professionals could assist you in interpreting the results. This information could help you learn more about your child’s health.

More importantly, you’ll be able to have a more productive discussion and make an informed decision about what you can do to prevent childhood obesity.

Start to monitor your child’s body composition at the selected InBody locations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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