InBody Body Composition Analysis

InBody body composition analysis at MCR, Kannur, adds information about muscle, body fat and body water to a weight-management or diabetes-care review.

How InBody body composition analysis works

InBody uses bioelectrical impedance analysis, or BIA. Small electrical currents pass through contact electrodes, and the device measures the body's resistance to them. Because water, muscle and fat have different electrical properties, these measurements help estimate body composition. InBody's segmental technology assesses the arms, legs and trunk separately. The test uses electrical measurements rather than X-rays. [1]

The report gives your clinician more to discuss than the number on a weighing scale. At MCR, it can support the nutrition, activity and weight-management conversations that form part of your diabetes care.

Understanding the main parts of your report

Report items vary between InBody models. Depending on the device and report format, you may see the following measurements or estimates. [2]

• Body fat mass and percentage: the amount of body weight attributed to fat, expressed in kilograms and as a proportion of your weight.
• Skeletal muscle mass: an estimate of the muscles used for movement, considered alongside weight and fat measurements.
• Segmental lean analysis: a breakdown for individual limbs and the trunk, rather than a single whole-body figure.
• Body water: information that helps the clinician consider fluid balance when interpreting your results.
• Visceral fat and basal metabolic rate: model-dependent estimates of abdominal fat and energy use at rest, rather than a personalised diagnosis or meal prescription.

Ask which measurements are included in your own report. A result sheet from another InBody model may contain different items.

What happens during a typical test

For a standing InBody assessment, the operator checks your details and explains the position to use. You remove shoes and socks, place your bare feet on the marked contacts and hold the hand electrodes as instructed. Keeping the arms away from the torso and remaining still helps obtain a usable measurement. The operator guides you through the brief measurement and report. [3]

Allow time to discuss the result as well as take the measurement. You can ask how it relates to the goals already agreed with your care team, and whether a later comparison would be useful.

Preparing for a useful comparison

Follow the team's instructions for your appointment. InBody advises consistent testing conditions, normal hydration, using the toilet beforehand, removing heavy accessories and avoiding testing soon after a meal or exercise. Its US preparation guide specifies waiting at least three hours after a meal. [3]

If you use insulin or medicines that can lower blood glucose, ask the care team how to coordinate meals, medicines and the test. Do not create your own fasting or medication plan for a body composition appointment.

Who should speak to the team before testing?

InBody's guidance does not recommend testing people with an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Contact the team before booking if this applies to you. Also mention pregnancy, prostheses or other circumstances that may affect electrode contact or interpretation. [4]

What can affect the results?

Hydration, illness, medicines, nutrition and posture can affect BIA readings. A change between reports does not automatically mean that the same amount of muscle or fat has been gained or lost. Comparing results under similar conditions and interpreting them with a clinician is more useful than treating one score as a verdict on your health. [4]

Body composition assessment does not replace the blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. [5] Bring previous reports to your review and ask which changes matter for your own care plan.

Plan your visit in Kannur

Contact MCR to ask about an InBody assessment, preparation and a consultation. You can also explore our existing health packages and discuss which assessments are appropriate for you.