The Bodystat MDD 1500 Medical Bioelectric Impedance devise is an accurate and sophisticated scientific instrument, used in research and analysis. This method of body composition analysis is totally not invasive, very simple, easy and quick to perform in hospital, clinics, and fitness centers and even in patient’s home. The Bodystat MDD 1500 measures the impedance value of the body providing quick and effective analysis of body composition and Whole Body analysis, rather than partial body analysis of arms or legs only, is measured for greater accuracy. However, it is important to mention that the impedance measure is affected by body hydration status, body temperature, time of day, and therefore requires well controlled conditions to get accurate and reliable measurements. For instance, if a person is dehydrated, the amount of fat will likely be overestimated.
As the bioelectric impendence device measures the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small and harmless electrical signal, the person being measured should not be in contact with any other non conducting surface, with legs apart and arms away from the body. The Bodystat MDD 1500 requires a pair of electrodes placed on the hand and wrist, and another pair placed on the ankle and foot (same side of the body). A complete body composition analysis is provided comprising Body Fat, Lean Body Mass, Dry Lean Mass, Total Body Water and Optimal Ranges. Metabolic Rates, Waist/Hip Ratio, BMI, BFMI, FFMI Phase Angle and a Wellness Marker value. In addition, Bioelectric Impedance analysis is based on the principle that the resistance to an applied electric current is inversely related to the amount of fat-free mass within the body. The proportion of body fat can be calculated as the current flows more easily through the parts of the body that are composed mostly of water (such as blood, urine & muscle) than it does through bone, fat or air. Then, it is possible to predict how much body fat a person has by combining the bioelectric impendence measure with other factors such as height, weight, gender, fitness level and age.
Why is Body Composition Important?
Scale weight is not an accurate indicator of an individual's body fat or health. Body composition data can definitely form the basis for a wide variety of therapeutic health and fitness prescriptions. In clinical applications, body composition analysis along with non pharmacologic nutrition and exercise prescriptions provide the foundation upon which further treatment is based. Only body composition analysis can determine how much muscle and fat are lost or gained as the result of any nutrition, exercise, or pharmaceutical prescription.
Body composition analysis allows healthcare specialists to manage information and interact with the data to create and evaluate custom prescriptions for change.
What is Phase Angle?
The phase angle is defined as the relation between the two vector components of impedance: resistance and reactance and is independent of height, weight and body fat. It may be interpreted as an indicator of water distribution between the extra- and intra-cellular spaces. However, it is not easy to explain nor to understand the concept of Phase Angle. Lower phase angles appear to be consistent with either cell death or a breakdown of the cell membrane. Higher phase angles appear to be consistent large quantities of intact cell membranes and body cell mass. All living substances have a phase angle, in fresh uncooked vegetables phase angle can exceed 45 degrees. In cooked vegetables phase angle is zero because they are dead. Phase Angle is a predictor of outcome and indicates the course of disease or increases as the result of optimal health based on good nutrition and consistent exercise. As we get older our phase angle will decrease and will be approximately 4 or less when we die. Fit adolescents may have a phase angle greater than 10. This effect is a result of cell integrity due to age. Low phase angles are consistent with:1. Malnutrition 2. HIV/AIDS infection 3. Cancer (most types) 4. Abusive life style 5. Chronic Alcoholism 6. Old Age (80 - 100 years). Good fitness and life style is the key to maintaining a healthy phase angle. In sum, Phase angle is good indicator of disease progression although it is not used to diagnose a specific disease. It may be thought of as a thermometer with a broad range of normal. It may also be used to monitor the practice of good health, which would include healthy diets, the use nutritional supplements and exercise.
What is the Wellness Marker value?
The integrity of cells can be characterized by the ratio between measured impedance values at 50 kHz and 5 kHz. This ratio is also called the Wellness Marker. It is important to mention that Body cells are nonconductive at a low frequency of 5 kHz and restrict the flow of current. High Impedance values are then measured in the human body. At the higher frequency of 50 kHz, the body cells become more conductive and a lower Impedance value is measured. The “normal” value for a healthy person would be around 0.845; more athletic, muscular highly trained individuals would have lower values. In different “unhealthy” situations this ratio would creep closer to 1.00. Therefore, the lower the ratio, the healthier and more hydrated the body cells; the higher the ratio, potentially the less healthy the body cells. In sum, the Wellness Marker could therefore be used as a generalized state of health of the body cells.
A note on good health
Eating is one of life's greatest pleasures
Food choices depend on history, culture, and environment, as well as on energy and nutritional needs. People also eat foods for enjoyment. Family, friends, and beliefs play a major role in the ways people select foods and plan meals.
Diet is important to health at all stages of life
Many genetic, environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors can affect health. Understanding family history of disease or risk factors -- body weight and fat distribution (body composition), blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, for example -- can help people make more informed decisions about actions to improve health. Food choices are among the most pleasurable and effective of these actions. Healthful diets help children grow, develop, and do well in school. They enable young and older adults to work productively and feel their best. Food choices also can help to prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis, that are leading causes of death and disability among Americans. Good diets can reduce major risk factors for chronic diseases -- factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.
Foods contain energy, nutrients, and other components that positively affect health
People require energy and certain other essential nutrients. These nutrients are essential because the body cannot make them and must obtain them from food. Essential nutrients include vitamins, minerals, certain amino acids, and certain fatty acids. Foods also contain fiber and other components that are important for health. Although each of these food components has a specific function in the body, all of them together are required for overall health. People need calcium to make bones, for example, but many other nutrients also take part in building and maintaining bones. The carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food supply energy which is measured in calories. Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 calories per gram. Fat contributes more than twice as much -- 9 calories per gram. Alcohol is also high in energy and supplies 7 calories per gram. Foods that are high in fat are also high in calories.
Physical activity fosters a healthful diet
Energy needs vary by age. Older adults, for example, need less food than younger and more active individuals. People who are inactive or trying to lose weight may eat little food and have difficulty meeting their nutrient needs in a satisfying diet. Nearly all people need to be more active, because a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy. Increasing the energy spent in daily activities helps to maintain health and allows people to eat a nutritious and enjoyable diet.
Konstantina Fyta, Ph.D.
Nutritional Education Specialist
