Typically, people use body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess health. These methods are quick and very attainable, but they really only scratch the surface.
- Body weight is an incomplete picture, as two people can weigh the same, but have very different health profiles. Weight loss, too, can sometimes be misleading and potentially harmful if the loss comes from muscle instead of fat. A simple scale won’t reflect this information.
- BMI compares weight to height by using a simple mathematical formula, so it is easily accessible. It is limited, though, as it doesn’t account for many key factors like muscle mass, age, sex, ethnicity, or overall composition. Though it can be helpful in some situations, it is an incomplete picture of health.
This is why we use body composition assessments. They give a more complete and accurate picture of health by measuring fat, muscle, bone, and water. Using body composition allows us to:
- Get a more complete snapshot of a client’s current health
- Monitor health risks
- Set personalized goals
- Objectively track progress
There are several ways to calculate body composition. We use the InBody Scan because it is non-invasive and painless, affordable, and research-backed. You can learn more about the InBody Scan at our resource page where we dive deeper into these different methods.
