Body Composition Analysis

Service provided at: Ozo g. 18, Vilnius

Body Composition Analyzer BC300

1. Body Composition

The body consists of body fat and lean body mass. Lean body mass refers to non-fat components of the body, such as body water, muscles, bones, etc. Body water is divided into intracellular and extracellular water, and their ratio is controlled and maintained within a certain range. Body fat is accumulated under the skin and between abdominal organs. Body fats are hydrolyzed to create the energy necessary for normal physiological functions when the energy supply from absorbed food is insufficient; however, an excessive amount of body fat is considered a disease and leads to lifestyle-related illnesses.

Healthy individuals maintain a balance of body composition in constant proportions, but sick individuals do not maintain this balance. When the body composition balance is inappropriate, various diseases, such as obesity, osteoporosis, etc., may occur.

2. Obesity

Various methods can be used to assess obesity, but the main factor in assessing obesity is the amount of fat accumulated in the body.

In general, obesity is defined not only as a condition of being overweight compared to height (visual obesity) but also as having an excessive amount of body fat compared to weight (invisible or visible obesity). In short, obesity is a condition where body fat takes up a large portion of body weight.

3. The Necessity of Body Composition Analysis

Body composition analysis is a good indicator for identifying potential health problems. It allows professionals to detect obesity or body composition imbalance at an early stage and enables the individual to maintain their body in a healthy state. The body composition analyzer is a useful preventive diagnostic tool.

4. Waist-Hip Ratio

The waist-hip ratio (W.H.R) indicates the distribution of fat in a person's abdomen and hips. It is a simple yet useful method for assessing body fat. Body fat is accumulated in two different ways. They are commonly referred to as "apple" and "pear" types. The apple type indicates a larger waist than hip circumference, while the pear type indicates larger hips than waist circumference. An increase in body fat in the abdominal area raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other illnesses.

5. Abdominal Fat

Body fat is divided into subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Visceral obesity is considered a critical risk factor along with the percentage of body fat.

Lipoprotein lipase can be easily activated in visceral fat, leading to the easy dissolution of visceral fat. Dissolved visceral fat is transferred to the liver via blood vessels. This causes liver steatosis or an increase in lipid levels in the blood. It also increases the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hyperinsulinemia.

Visceral fat usually constitutes 10-20% of body fat, and visceral obesity is evaluated based on the following indicators.

6. Segmental Analysis

This device analyzes lean body mass in five body parts: abdomen, right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg. This function can be used as an evaluation tool to assess the results of exercises or rehabilitation.

7. Physical Age

This is an approximate physical age of the subject, based on body composition analysis results, gender, and biological age. It is calculated by comparing the optimal body composition, considering the subject's gender and biological age, with the actual analyzed body composition. It can be used to assess the subject's health and body development.

Preparation for Body Composition Analysis

1. Water content increases after eating, so measurements should be taken on an empty stomach:
   • Perform measurements 3-4 hours after a meal.
   • Avoid caffeine-containing drinks or diuretic drinks 4 hours before the measurement.
   • Drink 2 cups of water 2 hours before the measurement.
2. The person should be in a stable condition before the measurement:
   • Perform the measurement 3-4 hours after a bath, sauna, exercise, or activities that stimulate sweating.
   • Alternatively, perform measurements before these conditions.
3. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the measurement.
4. Wear as light clothing as possible.
5. When the person is on the scales, avoid sudden movements – from sitting to standing. Body fluids go to the lower body and this may affect the results. Therefore, the measurement should be taken 5 minutes after changing positions.
6. Clean the electrodes and the measured body parts.
7. Use the restroom before the measurement.
8. Measurements should be taken for the same person, at the same time, and under the same conditions.
9. For a person who spends a long time standing during the day, measurements are recommended in the morning.

Contraindications (not allowed): feverish, sweaty, tired individuals, those with heart pacemakers (electrical), not recommended for pregnant women, as the baby's and water mass are considered as fats.