Bioimpedometry

Bioimpedance is the analysis of the amount of fat and fluid in the body, muscle and bone mass and metabolism. And all – in one procedure. It sounds tempting, but will it actually meet your expectations?

Bioimpedometry (Bioelectrical impedance analysis, BIA)or bioimpedance analysis is a common method for testing the composition of the human body through the measurement of electrical resistance in tissues. Simply speaking, a
weak electric charge is passed through the body; the resistance (impedance) is measured, which gives an idea of the total water content in the body (total body water, TBW). As water is contained mainly in the blood, muscles, nerves, bones, then through the water content lean body weight is calculated, and then, through subtraction from the total mass body, we find out -the fat in the body.

Bioimpedansometry is considered more accurate method than calculating body mass index (BMI), as it takes into account not only height and weight, but also the proportion of fat and non-fat mass. This is just the analysis that can show the difference between fat and «big bone».

How is bioimpedance analysis carried out?

Generally: two electrodes are attached to the body, through which a weak current is passed. The computer calculates the required parameters based on the data of the charge passage through the body. The procedure is painless, and comfort depends on the devices: they are very different, for some you need to hold the palms or stand up, as on bathroom scales, and others require you to lie down, and the sensors are attached to feet and hands.

So, what does bioimpedance measure and what do its results mean?

1. The amount of liquid in the body.

It determines the volume of endocellular, as well as intracellular and extracellular fluid. The indicator of intercellular fluid allows you to know whether there are no edemas in the body, whether the fluid is stayed. If the amount of intercellular fluid, i.e, blood and lymph, is below normal, it indicates a hemoconcentration or that you do not drink enough, especially if you are undergone to physical activity. Normally, the amount of fluid in the body is 45-60% of body weight.

2. Body mass index.

The famous BMI, which is precisely known by people who are concerned about weight loss, can be determined in different ways. And bioelectrical impedance analysis is one of them. BMI is a degree of conformity body weight with height. Normal weight is considered at the value of BMI 18,50-24,99. If it is below it is insufficient body weight, above is excess. Obesity begins at a BMI of 30.

3. The speed of metabolism

The metabolism, basal metabolism. This is the amount of calories that the body burns up at rest per day. These calories are necessary for life, and the body will «eat» them in any case, whether you are physically active or not.
For everyone, this number is individual, the higher it is, the faster you spend energy; the lower it is, the more likely it is to gain excess weight even with proper nutrition.

4. Active cell mass, or ACM.

It is a mass of internal organs, bones, muscles and nerve cells in the aggregate (including the fluid in them). The lack of it can be about diseases of internal organs, for example, the thyroid gland, and general illness. It is useful to monitor the change of ACM when you lose weight, so that the weight loss was not at its expense, but at the expense of fat.
Normally, ACM is 75-85% of body weight.

5. Muscle mass.

It is simple: there is the total muscle mass in the body. This indicator is useful for athletes and those who are engaged in strength training to know whether they are effective. If you want to become stronger – this is parameter that you need to pay attention to. If person has wrong diet and lifestyle, a person instead of fat, loses muscle mass (especially, it goes much easier than fat), at the same time the weight comes down, but this is not the weight loss that you dreamed of. In a healthy body muscle mass is 30-40% of the total.

6. Bone mass.

Lack of it can be osteoporosis and other diseases that lead to a high- risk of fractures. This parameter most often deviates from the norm with an unbalanced nutrition, and then its diet should be revised. Bone mass is closely connected with calcium content in the body, and it is known to be needed not only for strong bones but also for muscles and nervous system function, coagulability.

7. Fat mass, i.e., the amount of fat in the body.

Weight-loss people pass bioelectrical impedance analysis for this. Apparently that is the number of kilograms that need to take off. But not all fat is excess. It is needed for metabolic processes, thermal insulation, as stored energy. The optimal level of fat for women is 20-29,9%, for men it is 10-19,9% of the total weight.

For whom will bioelectrical impedance analysis be useful?

• for people who want to change muscle mass, i.e., people who attend gym, athletes, as well as who do medical gymnastics and are busy with recovery from diseases and injuries;
• who follow different diets and want to compare their effectiveness;
• who suffer from endocrine diseases, diseases of the liver, kidneys,
• cardiovascular system, i.e., diseases that have effect on weight;
• for people who are overweight or underweight before and during treatment for better control of results;
• for those who want to know their body to take better care of it.

Bioimpedance analysis is a scientific development. When it is performed properly it is very accurate and useful. However, no method is secured against errors.

Firstly, the procedure should be carried out by qualified personnel who have a good understanding of this device. Because incorrect overlay sensors (with a deviation of even 1 centimeter) leads to results distortion.

The electrical impulse takes the path of least resistance and depending on the water content in the body cannot see some depot fat. It also depends on the model of bioimpedance analyzer. Some pass entire sections of the body. For example, when the charge passes through the legs from one foot to the other (at the same time the analysis passes the whole torso) or through the hands from one palm to the other (nether man does not get into the analysis). The indications of such devices should be treated with distrust.

According to research even on the most sensitive device and with a perfectly performed procedure the error in examination of fat mass is 8- 9%. That is, you can lose 4% of fat, but bioimpedance will show that you have gained 4%. It, of course, can confuse and unfairly disappoint you in the diet and exercises that you have done.

It is better to do bioimpedance not often, but every few months, so that the loss or weight gain will have been more noticeable, and errors don’t mislead and don’t conceal the general dynamics.

To bioelectrical impedance analysis will show accurate result, you should:

• void a half an hour before the procedure;
• during two days before the examination, do not drink alcohol, tea and coffee;
• if the difference between the temperature outside and indoors is big, then let the body acclimatize: if you are cold or got a heatstroke, the analyzer will be wrong;
• put on loose clothes, no shapewear and tights: clothes should not change the fabrics shape.