Bioimpedance Analysis

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a valuable tool for measuring your body composition – the measurement of body fat in relation to lean body mass.  It is an important part of any comprehensive health and nutrition assessment.

Why is body composition important to your health?

Research has shown that body composition is directly related to health. A normal balance of body fat to lean body mass is associated with good health and longevity.  Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, a condition known as altered body composition, can greatly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and more.  BIA enables early detection of an improper balance in your body composition which allows for earlier intervention and prevention.  BIA also provides the measurement of fluid and body mass that can be a critical assessment tool for your current state of health.

BIA also surves to measure your progress as you work to improve your health.  Improving your BIA measurement, or maintaining a healthy BIA measurement, can help keep your body functioning properly for healthy ageing and reduce risk to illness.  With your BIA results, we can recommend a personalised dietary plan, nutritional supplements, and exercise to help support optimal health and well-being for a lifetime.

How does BIA Work?

BIA is much more sophisticated in your bathroom scale, but just as painless-and almost as quick.  BIA is a simple procedure that could be preformed in our clinic in a matter of minutes with the help of a sophisticated computerised analysis.  The analyser calculates your tissue and fluid compartments using an imperceptible electrical current passed through pads placed on one hand and foot as you lie comfortably on a treatment couch.  In just minutes or have very accurate measurements to help create an effective personalised programme to prove your health status.

Body Composition Testing

Bio impedance analysis (BIA) is a reliable method of measuring body composition, including percentage of body fat and lean body mass. Measurements are taken with the bio impedance analyser which uses electrodes similar to EKG electrodes.  The machine passes a harmless, ultra low-level electric current through the body. Lean tissue, which is over 70% water, is a good conductor of electrical current.  Fatty tissue – low in water, is not.  Thus, the resistance to the flow of electrical current measured by the analyser can be used to calculate the body composition.

You will need to remove your right shoe and sock or stocking.  The electrodes are placed on your right hand and foot whilst you are lying on a comfortable couch.  This whole procedure takes only a few minutes and a  computer prints out the results.  Optimal body fat ranges from 12% to 25% for women and 5% to 20% from men.

Over 100 independent studies conducted by receipt by researchers over the past 20 years, have demonstrated that bioimpedance analysis can provide an accurate and clinically useful assessment of body composition.