How much Fat? How much Water? Hoch much Muscle Mass?

The principles of bio-electric impedance analysis (BIA) for measuring and calculating body composition were already described in the US in the 1940s. The method was scientifically developed in the 1960s and 1970s by e.g. Hoffer, Jenin and Lukaski.

Today, BIA is an approved, easy-to-use, non-invasive and above all inexpensive measuring method to determine body composition. The technique offers a wide application spectrum in the diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic field.

BIA makes use of the different electric conductivity of bones, organs and body fat. Due to their electrolyte rate, body liquids are excellent conductors for exlectrical power, cells with their lipoprotein layer inside their membrane act as capacitors, while fat can be characterised as a non-conductor. Using the measured resistance (reactance) and considering the patient date, such as height, weight, sex and age, the relevant body composition can be calculated.

Body weight and BMI are no meaningful measures for physical fitness or an optimal nutrition. This is also true for persons with normal weight. A well-balanced relation of body structures, that is metabolic active body cell mass (BCM), extra-cellular mass (ECM), body liquids and body fat, is the key to better physical fitness and performance.

The measurement and documentation of changes in body composition is reasonable for the following conditions: preliminary and continuous support during weight reduction programs, general health and fitness check-ups, early diagnosis of malnutrition, anti-aging programs and sports training control.