NOW OFFERING 25% OFF THE REGULAR PRICE OF $100!!
Traditionally, body composition testing involved determining % body fat and dividing the body into two compartments, body fat and fat-free mass. Probably all of you at some point in time have had your body fat tested with skin fold measurement, a method that involves pinching your skin and underlying body fat with a set of calipers. This form of determining body fat is very inaccurate and is subject to inconsistency between tests. It also does not take into account, body fat that is not right underneath the skin and therefore usually underestimates total body fat, and misses probably our most dangerous fat, that fat that lies deep in our abdomen. Now granted, I love the results that I get from skin testing as they are so much less than my actual body fat composition, but lying to myself doesn't lead to the changes I want to see when I'm contemplating starting or sticking with a change in diet, exercise and overall lifestyle.
The most accurate way of measuring body fat is DEXA. DEXA is the method we use for determining your bone density and risk of osteoporosis, but it is also the "gold standard" for measuring % body fat. DEXA measures % body fat, fat mass, bone mass and lean mass separately for the arms, trunk (both abdomen and hips) and legs. This regional, three compartment analysis is superior not only for an initial assessment, but also for tracking change. For example, with a weight training program the total increase in muscle mass and the increase in muscle mass in the arms, trunk and legs can be determined.
Body composition is very important for overall health and wellness. It's not just about looking good in a swimsuit anymore. An excessive amount of body fat is a risk factor for heart disease, type II diabetes, and other diseases. At the same time, having too little body fat can be detrimental to your health increasing your risk of menstrual irregularities, infertility and bone loss.
Body composition testing by DEXA is easy and comfortable for you, the patient. You'll lie down on an open "table" for about 8 minutes while your body is scanned. The amount of radiation used by the machine is extremely low, about the same amount as you would be exposed to being in an airplane for 30 minutes. There is nothing you need to do to prepare for a DEXA though avoiding vigorous exercise or a heavy meal 2 hours before testing will make your results even more accurate.
When you get your body composition tested, you'll receive a copy of your results the day of your testing. Within 7-10 days, I (Dr. Stone) will send you a letter helping you interpret your results. The letter includes a very accurate measurement of your basal metabolic rate (your metabolism at rest) based on your lean body mass. This information will help you plan sensible and successful changes to help you lose weight and more importantly, become the healthy, fit and active person you were meant to be. Think of it as an investment in yourself. Unlike your 401K, this investment plan is one you have control of!
Call us today at 303.940.7015 to schedule your body composition and take the first step in making the next year a healthy one.
(For more complete details on body composition testing by DEXA go to nutrition.uvm.edu/bodycomp/.)
