What is Body Composition Analysis (Inbody)?
Inbody is a Body Composition Analyzer that can measure the amount of muscle, fat, water, minerals, and bone mass by using the principle of electrical resistance to the flow of current in various tissues and cells in the body (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis). Fat conducts electricity poorly and has high resistance to electrical current, while muscle, which contains more water, conducts electricity better and has lower resistance. This test provides numerical values that can be used to analyze body composition in detail.
Who should undergo Body Composition Analysis (Inbody)?
1. Those who want to know their body composition ratio for health care
2. Those who want to improve their body shape or develop muscles through nutrition and exercise adjustments
3. Those who want to lose weight by reducing fat but still maintain muscle mass
4. Those prone to muscle mass loss, such as the elderly or chronic patients
4. Those who frequently get sick and want to strengthen their body for better health
Procedure for Body Composition Analysis (Inbody)
The body composition analysis using the Inbody device is simple, uses low electrical current, is safe, painless, and takes only 5-10 minutes. The steps are as follows:
1. The person being tested stands barefoot on the device, without shoes, socks, or stockings, and avoids wearing any accessories.
2. The staff inputs basic information such as age, height, and weight for personalized processing.
3. The person being tested holds the device’s handles with both hands and stands still on the device for about 5 minutes.
4. The device analyzes the body composition and prints the results on paper.
5. The attending physician reads, analyzes, and evaluates the results and provides health care advice.
Preparation before Body Composition Analysis (Inbody)
1. No need to fast, avoid food or drink, or prepare in any special way before the test.
Interpretation and Evaluation of Body Composition Analysis (Inbody)
The InBody test provides information about body composition that can be compared to normal values according to gender and age. The physician uses the results to preliminarily assess obesity and recommend the types and amounts of nutrients to consume, the amount of water to drink, and the type and intensity of exercise to develop both health and body shape according to the goals of the person tested. The analysis includes the following values:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI) indicates whether the body weight is too low or too high. The physician also considers muscle mass, fat, and other body composition factors.
2. Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), with normal values being less than 0.9 for men and less than 0.85 for women.
3. Total Body Water, both intracellular and extracellular, which helps determine the appropriate daily water intake based on individual daily routines.
4. Edema, to select appropriate food types such as reducing salty foods and avoiding high sodium foods.
5. Average Protein Mass and Average Minerals Mass to determine the types and amounts of nutrients needed.
6. Skeletal Muscle Mass, which correlates with Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) reflecting biological age, and can be improved through proper diet and exercise.
7. Muscle mass in each arm and leg and trunk muscle (Lean Muscle Mass), allowing comparison of balance between parts to plan balanced exercise.
8. Body Fat Mass, to adjust diet and prevent diseases.
9. Body Fat Percentage, to analyze the appropriate amount for body shaping and muscle definition, especially for those aiming for a defined six-pack, which should have a body fat percentage not exceeding 12%. Normal body fat percentages are 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women. Values outside these ranges may indicate overweight or underweight body shapes.
10. Visceral Fat Area, with a suitable value not exceeding 100 cm2, as excess visceral fat can cause inflammation in organs, abnormal metabolism, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The physician will advise on dietary and exercise behavior adjustments to reduce this fat.
