What is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a relatively simple, quick (takes only a few minutes), non-invasive technique which gives reliable measurements of body composition, e.g percentage of muscle/fat/water which is then used to assist with individual health goals and planning.
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BIA is based on the principle that electric current flows at different rates through the body depending upon its composition. This non-invasive test simply involves standing on a BIA scale while a low level, imperceptible electrical current is sent through the body. The flow of the current is affected by the amount of water in the body. The device measures how this signal is impeded through different types of tissue. Tissues containing large amounts of fluid and electrolytes, such as blood, have high conductivity, but fat and bone slow the signal down. As BIA determines the resistance to flow of the current as it passes through the body, it provides estimates of body water from which body fat is calculated using selected equations.
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BIA is a safe technique to measure body composition, ​however at Metabolism people with an electronic medical implant, such as a pacemaker, will be unable to undergo BIA as the electrical signal travelling through the body may interfere with its operation.
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BIA is part of the Initial Consult experience at no extra cost.
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