{"id":226271,"date":"2023-11-03T18:28:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-what-does-a-body-composition-scan-show-copy\/"},"modified":"2024-04-30T10:53:16","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T10:53:16","slug":"blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Body Composition Testing for Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=&#8221;50px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Open Sans||||||||&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; ul_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Understanding the composition of our body can be an invaluable tool when we\u2019re working to improve our health, fitness, and well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">With so much contradictory health and fitness advice available, it can be difficult to know what to trust and where to get started with making positive changes. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Body composition testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can help offer insights based on our body specifically, and work to inform our goal-setting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at what body composition is, why it\u2019s important for our health, fitness, and well-being, and compare some types of body composition tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_body_composition_and_why_does_it_matter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is body composition (and why does it matter?)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#What_is_body_composition_and_why_does_it_matter\" >What is body composition (and why does it matter?)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#What_is_body_composition\" >What is body composition?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#What_does_a_body_composition_test_show\" >What does a body composition test show?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Why_is_body_composition_important\" >Why is body composition important?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Body_composition_for_health\" >Body composition for health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Body_composition_for_fitness\" >Body composition for fitness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Body_composition_for_wellbeing\" >Body composition for wellbeing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Types_of_body_composition_tests\" >Types of body composition tests\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#DEXA_scan_for_body_composition\" >DEXA scan for body composition\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Bioelectrical_impedance_analysis\" >Bioelectrical impedance analysis\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Skinfold_callipers\" >Skinfold callipers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Air_displacement_Bod_Pod\" >Air displacement (Bod Pod)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-importance-of-body-composition-testing\/#Discover_your_body_composition_today_at_My_Vital_Metrics\" >Discover your body composition today at My Vital Metrics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_body_composition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is body composition?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/what-is-body-composition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Body composition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> refers to the amount of fat, muscle, bone, and water in your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Different types of body composition tests can give various levels of insight into your body composition \u2013 not every type of body composition test gives you the same level of detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Some types of body composition test include a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfold callipers, hydrostatic weighing, and air displacement. We\u2019ll compare these tests in more detail later in this blog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_body_composition_test_show\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What does a body composition test show?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Body composition tests tend to measure a combination of the following body composition components:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 600;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Fat mass<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: total mass of subcutaneous fat and visceral fat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Fat-free mass<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: total mass of muscle, bone, water, minerals, proteins, organs, and other tissue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 600;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Visceral fat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: total mass of visceral adipose tissue<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 600;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Muscle mass<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: total muscle mass<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 600;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Lean mass<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: muscle, bone, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 600;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Bone mineral content:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The gold standard of body composition testing, the DEXA scan, focuses on fat mass, visceral fat, muscle mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content. You can read more about what a DEXA scan for body composition can tell you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-what-does-a-body-composition-scan-show\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Two of the most important metrics that body composition testing can measure are your overall <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">body fat percentage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">visceral adipose tissue (VAT)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 also known as visceral fat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">An ideal level of body fat varies based on factors such as sex and age, as shown in the body fat percentage chart below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dmpro_image_hotspot img_src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Screenshot-2023-11-03-at-18.46.07-1.png&#8221; img_alt=&#8221;Chart showing ideal body fat percentage ranges by age and sex. &#8221; admin_label=&#8221; Pro Image Hotspot&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dmpro_image_hotspot][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Body fat percentage is a crucial element of body composition, but it doesn\u2019t capture the amount of visceral fat \u2013 also known as \u201chidden\u201d fat \u2013 that is stored deep inside our bodies, wrapped around our essential organs. Compared to subcutaneous fat (directly under your skin), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/what-is-visceral-fat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">visceral fat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is a greater risk factor for heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">measured using a DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and is most commonly measured in cm\u00b2 to reflect the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-what-does-a-body-composition-scan-show\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">surface area of visceral fat in the body<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. The visceral fat chart below shows the ideal visceral fat range, as well as levels of visceral fat associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Screenshot-2023-11-03-at-18.46.16.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;The chart shows the visceral fat ranges that are considered to be %22ideal%22, %22at increased risk of cardiovascular disease%22, and %22at high risk of cardiovascular disease%22, respectively. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2023-11-03 at 18.46.16&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_body_composition_important\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Why is body composition important?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">While your weight on the scale could stay the same, changes in body composition can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/why-is-body-composition-important\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">have a huge impact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> on your health, fitness, and well-being. Let\u2019s take a look at how body composition can affect each of these three areas in turn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_composition_for_health\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Body composition for health<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">First and foremost, body composition (particularly lean mass) is a key predictor of overall health and longevity. Muscle mass index (muscle mass in relation to height) is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0002934314001387\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">inversely correlated with mortality by all causes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> in older adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.withings.com\/uk\/en\/health-insights\/about-body-composition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">healthy body composition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (which will vary from person to person, but is typically characterised by body fat and visceral fat percentages falling within ideal ranges and a high proportion of fat-free mass) can help reduce the risk of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Metabolic disorders, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2658023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Type 2 Diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and insulin resistance\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17110092\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and cardiovascular events\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">High cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">All-cause mortality\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">It\u2019s important to note that a high body fat percentage can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22689563\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> even among <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">people of a normal weight. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">One possible explanation for such findings is that high levels of visceral fat, estimated via higher waist measurements and waist-to-hip ratios, have been <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18362231\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">associated with increased mortality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, independent of BMI measurement.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you\u2019re looking to decrease your body fat percentage, lower your visceral fat, or lose weight, it\u2019s important to consider the importance of maintaining lean mass as you do so. Resistance and endurance exercises, in particular, can be a great way to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28507015\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">maintain muscle mass throughout weight loss<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_composition_for_fitness\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Body composition for fitness<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Secondly, body composition plays a crucial role in overall fitness and athletic performance, and can be a powerful tool for athletes looking to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-benefits-of-fitness-testing-for-athletes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">achieve peak performance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">An \u201cideal\u201d body composition will vary depending on the sport and athlete in question. For example, a high level of lean mass can contribute to increased strength and power and is important for sports in which a high level of force needs to be generated quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Similarly, lean body mass can benefit an athlete\u2019s speed and agility. Low levels of body fat can benefit athletes in sports that require high levels of flexibility (such as gymnastics, dance, and diving), as well as endurance, such as long-distance athletes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For athletes in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsca.com\/education\/articles\/kinetic-select\/sport-performance-and-body-composition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">sports that require a high power-to-mass ratio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 such as gymnasts, wrestlers, mixed martial artists, boxers, and weightlifters \u2013 maintaining a high muscle mass and lower body fat mass can be beneficial to performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Regardless of the sport or activity, a combination of high lean mass and low fat mass is generally <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2017\/12\/28\/body-composition-health-sports-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">positively correlated with improved athletic performance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For those looking to improve their health and fitness by getting more active, increasing activity levels can help to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16912548\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">reduce the negative impact of high weight<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> on health and reduce the risk of disease by increasing cardiorespiratory fitness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_composition_for_wellbeing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Body composition for wellbeing<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Finally, body composition contributes (positively or negatively) to our overall well-being and mental health.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Research has suggested that a high level of body fat may increase the risk of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">High levels of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/obesity\/obesity-inflammation-cycle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">chronic inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (associated with depression and emotional dysregulation)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress\/art-20046037#:\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Chronic stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (which, over time, impacts both physical and mental health)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41398-019-0516-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Major depressive disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Depressive and anxiety-related symptoms (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1758-5996-5-82\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">body fat percentage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> specifically)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The good news is that many of the behavioural changes that help to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/caring-for-your-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">improve our mental health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and general well-being are also changes that can benefit our physical health: regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating regular healthy meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_body_composition_tests\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Types of body composition tests\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Body composition tests are a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-the-power-of-health-and-fitness-testing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">type of health and fitness testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. Let\u2019s take a look at some popular methods of measuring body composition:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DEXA_scan_for_body_composition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">DEXA scan for body composition\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is considered the gold standard in body composition analysis and has a very high level of accuracy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and describes the method by which the test measures body composition \u2013 through two, low-energy X-ray beams passed through the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Using a three-component model of body composition analysis, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/the-full-details-of-a-dexa-scan-report\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">a DEXA scan can inform you of levels of fat mass<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, visceral fat, lean mass, muscle mass, and bone density, as well as your android: gynoid ratio. This is possible since the DEXA looks not only at<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> how much<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> fat and muscle is present in your body but also at <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">where<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> it is located.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bioelectrical_impedance_analysis\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Bioelectrical impedance analysis\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/dexa-vs-bioelectrical-impedance-scales\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BEI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is a two-compartment model of body composition that employs a low-level electrical current to measure fat mass and fat-free mass in the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">You might be familiar with BEI technology through your home smart scale that measures body fat (which typically measures from foot to foot) or gym scale (which measures from hand to foot using a handheld component).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">BEI is incredibly safe and can offer a quick and accessible snapshot of your body composition, informing you of your overall body fat mass, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and fat-free mass percentage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">However, BEI analysis can\u2019t offer insight into your bone density, lean vs. muscle mass, or visceral fat, and isn\u2019t as accurate as a three-component measure of body composition, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skinfold_callipers\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Skinfold callipers<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/calculate-body-fat-by-measuring-skinfolds-3120273\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">skinfold test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> uses skinfold callipers to measure skinfold thickness, and these measurements can then be used to estimate body fat percentage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Skinfold tests are an accessible method of measuring body fat, as they can be easily carried out by a personal trainer or at home. However, callipers are less accurate than other body composition measures such as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, and measurements can vary based on hydration, the skill level of the person taking the measurements, and where on the body fat is located.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Air_displacement_Bod_Pod\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Air displacement (Bod Pod)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/adamvirgile.com\/2019\/01\/31\/body-composition-in-sport-densitometric-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Air displacement plethysmography<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 commonly carried out using a piece of equipment called a Bod Pod \u2013 is a type of body composition testing that can measure weight, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass. Like bioelectrical impedance analysis, air displacement uses a two-component model of body composition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Air displacement works by measuring the amount of air displaced from an enclosed chamber when the test-taker sits in it. Then, based on the test-taker\u2019s body volume, Boyle\u2019s Law is used to estimate the breakdown of lean mass and fat mass present inside the chamber \u2013 that is, the body composition of the test-taker\u2019s body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The Bod Pod is an efficient method of quickly gaining insights into your overall body composition. However, it is not able to measure levels of visceral fat, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muscleandfitness.com\/workouts\/workout-tips\/6-methods-measuring-body-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">accuracy can be lost<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> if the provider of the test doesn\u2019t take your lung capacity into account when calculating the results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discover_your_body_composition_today_at_My_Vital_Metrics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Discover your body composition today at My Vital Metrics<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Are you ready to unlock the secrets of your body composition and inform positive changes for your health, fitness, and well-being?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Here at My Vital Metrics we employ the gold standard in body composition testing, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan for body composition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To find out more about how body composition testing can transform your health, fitness, and well-being, reach out to My Vital Metrics to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">schedule a free fitness consultation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> today!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the composition of our body can be an invaluable tool when we\u2019re working to improve our health, fitness, and well-being.\u00a0 With so much contradictory health and fitness advice available, it can be difficult to know what to trust and where to get started with making positive changes. Body composition testing can help offer insights [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":801967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[38,12,59],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-226271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-body-comp","category-dexa","category-health-and-fitness-testing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226271\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/801967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}