 "The importance of a body composition test")
The body composition test is a physical test that calculates the proportion of various components of the human body: fat, water, muscle mass, protein, minerals, and so on. However, the overall aim of this test is to calculate one’s body fat and its distribution, and also the lean body mass. Most sophisticated body composition analysers will reflect on the following features:
Ideal weight according to one’s height, which then automatically indicates the amount of excess body weight.
Body mass index (BMI), which is calculated according to the height and weight using a formula fed in the software of the analyser.
Lean body mass: the total weight minus the body fat.
Soft lean mass: body water plus protein.
Total body water: both intracellular and extracellular water.
Percentage body fat.
Abdominal analysis, which is the abdominal circumference.
Body fat mass.
Basal metabolic rate: the minimal rate of energy expenditure per unit time.
Segmental assessment: the body fat mass and soft lean mass in the abdomen, the arms and the legs.
Body type: low weight/ normal/ overweight/ obese/ morbidly obese/ super obese.
Age matched of body (AMB): based on a person’s body composition and lifestyle habits, the real age is different from age matched of body. For example, if a person is obese, the AMB would be much higher than the real age and this gap is bridged when the person loses significant body fat mass.
The body composition test gives us a detailed analysis of our body composition and the areas that need to be focussed on. For example, if one is overweight, then by how many kgs and in what areas is the extra weight accumulated. What is the percentage body fat and how much is it above normal. For fitness enthusiasts, athletes as well, this analysis helps in evaluating their muscle mass as they aim to lose weight by retaining their muscle mass.
You should get this test done at least twice a year — once every six months. It might be more frequently required in case of chronic diseases. All that the person needs to do is stand on a machine called a body composition analyser — bare foot and hold metal-like rods in both hands. A mild painless current passes through the body and the analysis is completed within two minutes. The test is sensitive to gender and age.
In large volume bariatric centres or weight management centres, this test is done free of cost as a part of the consultation. Otherwise too, it does not cost more than Rs 300.
Ideal weight according to one’s height, which then automatically indicates the amount of excess body weight.
Body mass index (BMI), which is calculated according to the height and weight using a formula fed in the software of the analyser.
Lean body mass: the total weight minus the body fat.
Soft lean mass: body water plus protein.
Total body water: both intracellular and extracellular water.
Percentage body fat.
Abdominal analysis, which is the abdominal circumference.
Body fat mass.
Basal metabolic rate: the minimal rate of energy expenditure per unit time.
Segmental assessment: the body fat mass and soft lean mass in the abdomen, the arms and the legs.
Body type: low weight/ normal/ overweight/ obese/ morbidly obese/ super obese.
Age matched of body (AMB): based on a person’s body composition and lifestyle habits, the real age is different from age matched of body. For example, if a person is obese, the AMB would be much higher than the real age and this gap is bridged when the person loses significant body fat mass.
The body composition test gives us a detailed analysis of our body composition and the areas that need to be focussed on. For example, if one is overweight, then by how many kgs and in what areas is the extra weight accumulated. What is the percentage body fat and how much is it above normal. For fitness enthusiasts, athletes as well, this analysis helps in evaluating their muscle mass as they aim to lose weight by retaining their muscle mass.
You should get this test done at least twice a year — once every six months. It might be more frequently required in case of chronic diseases. All that the person needs to do is stand on a machine called a body composition analyser — bare foot and hold metal-like rods in both hands. A mild painless current passes through the body and the analysis is completed within two minutes. The test is sensitive to gender and age.
In large volume bariatric centres or weight management centres, this test is done free of cost as a part of the consultation. Otherwise too, it does not cost more than Rs 300.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%