What is an InBody and why should I get scanned?

What is an InBody and why should I get scanned?

FLT Beau Claiborne

Many of us use the weight on the scale or BMI to determine our health status. We are trained to believe that overweight or obese status is measured by using these numbers alone. However, this is a flawed system!

There can be three people with completely different body types who are all 5’10 and 180 lbs. Without looking at their composition and body fat percentage, we could be missing one of their most significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some of the most athletic individuals who eat clean and train every day would be considered obese or overweight by the traditional BMI scale. So what is the solution? Understanding your body composition.

An InBody unit determines percentages of skeletal muscle mass, body fat and water. It can be an invaluable tool for your overall health. Assessing your body composition will not only help you minimize your risk for disease but allows you to understand more about your body then just the number on the scale.

#1 Help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.

One of the most important identifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease is your body composition and more specifically your visceral fat. Visceral fat is the body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity. It is stored around a number of important internal organs including the liver, pancreas and intestines. Visceral fat being present in our bodies increases inflammation and changes the way our hormones are regulated. This can not only lead to disease but also makes it harder to lose weight. Through diet and exercise, you can reduce your visceral fat and risk for disease .. but it is important to track and identify it.

#2 Know your body composition.

There are three different types of body composition for the same weight!

Remember our 5’10 180 lb. example. Three individuals with this same exact weight and BMI can have much different body compositions, and therefore risk factors for disease.

The first type of body composition is an athletic build. This person will have a high skeletal muscle mass, low body fat percentage and low visceral fat. This type of body composition is at lowest risk for cardiovascular disease. Generally, greater muscle mass has positive health effects. As you get older, you naturally lose muscle mass. This age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, begins at age 30. You continue to lose 3 to 5 percent of muscle mass every decade, which reduces physical function and increases your risk of injury. But if you have high muscle mass, you can slow down muscle loss and protect your physical ability … which is HUGE in our line of work.

The second type of body composition with the same weight and height could be someone with average amount of skeletal muscle and body fat based on their height. This type of body composition would be at an average risk of heart disease.

A third type is a body composition consists of low skeletal muscle mass and a higher body fat percentage. This is referred to as “skinny fat”. This body type is at much higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to their increased fat percentage. This body type is important to identify because it is often not put into high risk categories due to their normal BMI. It is important to identify these body composition types to prevent future disease and injury.

#3 Track your progress

The scale doesn’t always tell the whole truth. By using body fat percentages and muscle mass as a measurement of success instead, you will be able to see your muscle mass rise even if your weight is not moving. Often when you begin working out your muscle mass rises while your body fat drops, preventing any movement in your actual weight. For some, being able to see this progress is important as it allows them to stay motivated and continue on their path of a healthier lifestyle.

So what is a good muscle mass percentage? Depends ..

Policy for requesting an InBody Scan

At minimum, we recommend that members perform an InBody scan annually. Get a physical .. get scanned. Take a proactive approach to your health before getting diagnosed with x, y or z.

The Safety, Health & Wellness Division has purchased 5 InBody units.

(1) InBody 270 - available @ HQ

(4) InBody H20N - available in the field & HQ

InBody scans will be available at various times throughout the year (Citywide challenges and district only opportunities). Members and BFD civilian personnel are advised to contact their Health & Ladders Rep with questions regarding the InBody and scan appointments.You may locate your H&L rep - HERE.