Spørsmål og Svar om Inbody
• How can I make money with the InBody? How much on average is charged for a test? Is body composition test covered by medical insurance?
• Why is the InBody so expensive?
• What can I do with the InBody? How could the InBody be useful in my everyday practice?
• How does the InBody compare to conventional BIA equipment? What are major technical advantages of the InBody compared to conventional BIA devices? How is the InBody different from Tanita's fat monitor/scales?
• Why there is no information on fat mass and PBF of each segment?
• What is the difference between the models, which one is best for me?
• Isn't BMI enough to diagnose obesity?
• Are there any types of people who should not be tested with the InBody? Can pregnant women be tested? Can people with a pacemaker or any other medical implants be tested?
• Is BIA accurate?
• Who is using the InBody? Name some of your valuable customers. Are medical professionals the only people that can conduct the test?
• Is the InBody validated? If yes, supply me with the publications.
• Are there publications using InBody?
• How accurate is the InBody compared to DEXA? To underwater weighing?
• How many subjects from which ethnic population were studied?
• How high is the reproducibility of the InBody?
• What are international patents the InBody holds? Which technology is protected?
• How long does it take to perform the test?
• Are there any restrictions for the test such as weight, height and age? Can children be accurately measured with the InBody?
• Can people feel it such as tickling on hands and feet during the test?
• Why do people need tissues before measuring?
• Do women have to take off their nylons to be tested?
• What are special things that people should do or shouldn't do before the test?
• What affects the measuring? (Very dry skin, jewelry, water, food, any medications, etc)
• How long has Biospace been manufacturing body composition analyzers?
• Does the InBody need special trainings prior to use? Is the InBody very difficult to operate?
• How does the InBody work?
• How often should I check body composition of my patients/clients?
• What are commonly used methods for body composition analysis?
• Doesn't a caliper measure percent body fat?
• Do people have to be in an erect posture? Can they be tested lying down?
• Can the InBody measure people with artificial arms, legs, hands or feet? Do people have to have two thumbs to use the InBody?
• How is 8-point tactile electrode system different from adhesive EKG tape electrodes? How is it better?
• How do you measure trunk impedance directly?
• How is it better using multi-frequency than single frequency?
• How does the InBody get body fat from water?
• Why do results change when height changes?
• For children, do you have a different range of body fat?
• Why is % body fat different in the same day?
• If percent body fat is out of the normal range, how does it affect health? How high is too high for percent body fat? How low is too low for percent body fat? How bad is it to have too little body fat?
• How should I interpret the weight control?
• How is BMR calculated?
• How often does the InBody need calibration?
• What is the life expectancy of an InBody?
• How long is the warranty period? What is and is not covered by warranty?
• Which printers are compatible with the InBody?
• What are the minimum computer requirements to run the Lookin' Body? Does it have to have window operating system?
• If I want to install the Lookin' Body program in more than one computer, do I have to buy more CDs?
• Is it possible to integrate all the stored data of Lookin' Body program in different computers to one computer?
• The weight that I weighed myself at home with mine and from InBody are different. Which one should I trust?
• Can I integrate InBody with our fitness equipments for the efficient management?
• How can I make money with the InBody? How much on average is charged for a test? Is body composition test covered by medical insurance?
You could charge your patients/clients for consultation.
Unfortunately, body comp test is not covered by medical insurance in many countries except Japan.
In the States, it may vary from $20.00 to as high as $75.00 depending on location and the degree of consultation. In Korea , it is usually packaged with a weight loss program or a general physical examination.
• Why is the InBody so expensive?
InBody is a revolutionized BIA instrument. It is the first BIA body composition analyzer doing segmental analysis with mutli-freqeuncy.
InBody directly measures each body part separately targeting the whole body. InBody is the only BIA equipment to measure impedance of trunk. Thus, InBody does not need to use statistical data in calculating other values because its results are much more accurate. InBody evaluates body very well, especially for those with particular body types or figures such as children, extremely obese people, the elderly and athletes for example.
• What can I do with the InBody? How could the InBody be useful in my everyday practice?
Obesity is the major cause of numerous diseases. Thus, weight reduction needs to be carried out along with their treatment. Using InBody's results, your expertise is reinforced and you can encourage your patients to get involved in medical treatment and motivate them with noticeable improvements shown by easily read results.
1) In obesity treatment: diagnosis, prescription of pharmaceuticals, exercise, effectiveness of treatment, maintenance check-up.
2) In obesity related medical treatment (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, growth delay of children, etc.): weight management program, maintenance check-up, prevention of obesity and other medical conditions.
3) For surgery like liposuction, gastrectomy: in decision making for necessity of surgery and level of surgery needed, in confirming surgery results and doing follow-up.
4) Patients with disturbed water balance: constant checking of water balance, before and after hemodialysis treatment
5) Discovery from operations: nutritional status check-up
6) Rehabilitation: prescription of appropriate treatment, effectiveness of physical therapy
7) The elderly, women in post-menopause: regular compositional change check-up to maintain good health
• How does the InBody compare to conventional BIA equipment? What are major technical advantages of the InBody compared to conventional BIA devices? How is the InBody different from Tanita's fat monitor/scales?
1) Use of multi-frequency: accurate intra/extracellular water measurement
2) Tactile electrodes with 8 contacting points: direct measurement
3) Segmental impedance measurement: impedance measurement of trunk
4) No population-based statistic data in calculation: actual body composition evaluation Thus, InBody is the most accurate machine with consistent results.
• Why there is no information on fat mass and PBF of each segment?
With BIA method, components with electrical conductivity are measured. Fat is not an electrical conductor. Fat mass is obtained by subtracting FFM from weight. Thus, to get fat mass of each segment, weight of each segment is needed or statistical data should be used.
• What is the difference between the models, which one is best for me?
It is not necessarily true that our new models supersede older models. The InBody series have a variety of functions and provided data. Not everyone needs to use the most expensive model, InBody720. All of the InBody will accurately measure weight and percent body fat and as it gets more expensive, data get expanded to for example, lean distribution in each segment. For details, please visit www.biospace.co.kr .
• Isn't BMI enough to diagnose obesity?
Body Mass Index is one of the well known methods to diagnose obesity. It is used to evaluate weight in relation to height. According to BMI, however, athletes or muscular individuals would always be obese due to their heavy muscle. Those sarcopenic (lack of muscle) with a great amount of fat would not be identified as being obese. Therefore, for the true diagnosis of obesity, you need to check percent body fat with InBody.
• Are there any types of people who should not be tested with the InBody? Can pregnant women be tested? Can people with a pacemaker or any other medical implants be tested?
1) People with implanted defibrillators or pacemakers should not be tested. Although a very low electrical signal is sent through the body, it may affect their functions.
2) Women at the period of menstruation will not get accurate results due to subtle changes in their body water.
3) Yes, those pregnant can be tested for their nutritional status, water balance and complications. However, due to the changes in the mother's body as in changes in water content, some of the results should not be interpreted as accurate. Moreover, for they need to be precautious during the first three months of pregnancy, they should consult their physicians prior to the test.
• Is BIA accurate?
People have been very skeptical about BIA instrument and its results. However, InBody has overcome the limitations that old BIA equipment has faced with its unique technology; multi-frequency, segmental analysis, 8-point tactile electrodes and no use of empirical estimation.
• Who is using the InBody? Name some of your valuable customers. Are medical professionals the only people that can conduct the test?.
USA
a. Bariatric Surgeons (InBody320)
Center for nutrition (Dr. Rich R. Tague, www.drtague.com)
Glory medical center (Dr. David Ikudayisi, www.glorymedicalcenter.com)
b. University (InBody 3.0, research purpose)
University of Utah (Bioengineering Dept.)
c. Fitness (InBody320)
S&b Elite Personal Training, CA
Powerbodies , CA
Therapy Works Fitness Works, CA
Germany
a. Rehabilitation/ Orthopedics (InBody 3.0)
Salztal Klinik, Bad Soden-Salmünster ( www.salztalklinik.de)
Rehazentrum SPOREG, Offenbach ( www.sporeg.de/index.php)
b. Extensive exam (General health checkup, InBody 3.0)
Max Grundig Klinik, Bühl/Baden ( www.grundig-klinik.de )
c. Intensive care unit (BS1)
Städtisches Klinikum Ludwigshafen
d. Metabolism(Stoffwechsel) & diabetes (InBody 3.0)
Klinik Bavaria Reha KG, Kreischa/Sachsen
e. Anti-aging (InBody 3.0)
Praxis Prof. Heufelder, München
f. Neuropsychiatry (Bulimic & anorexic, InBody 3.0)
Klinik Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee (Leihgabe z. Zweck einer Dissertation)
g. gynecology (InBody 3.0)
Praxis Dr. Krenz, Hamburg
h. Enterprise / Public Institution (InBody 3.0)
DailmerChrysler, Stuttgart (2 Geräte) Sparkasse Köln
i. University (InBody 3.0)
Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (Research purpose)
Sportwissenschaft Uni. Wien (Sport medicine)
Thermal Bad Spa Zurzach (Medical wellness center, www.medical-wellness-center.ch )
j. Fitness (InBody 3.0) - Team World of Fitness, Offenbach
Austria - School (InBody 3.0)
University Hospital Innsbruck , ( A. Univ. Prof. Dr. C. Ebenbichler)
Finland (InBody720)
Welfare Services Kuopio
Rovaniemi Polytechnic Sport and Leisure
Peurunka Rehabilitation Centre
Kiipula Rehabilitation Centre
Maas & Kuperus therapy
Rovaniemi Polytechnic Health Science
Naantali Spa
Ruissalo Spa
Oulu Polytechnic, Technical Dept.
Meditech
Kuopio University , Dept. Of Physiology
Science Park Kuopio
Finnish Rescue Institute
Meditech
Oulu University / Sports Medicine Clinic
Kaarina City, Exercise services
Lahti Polytechnic, Sport Institute
Eerikkilä Sports Institute
Vuokatti Sports Institute
Finnish Army / General Staff
Kruunupuisto Rehabilitation Center
School/ Institution
Rovaniemi Polytechnic School , dept. of Health Science. Rovaniemi
Health Science and Technology University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskyläm
(Dr. Sulin Cheng)
Oulu University
Finnish Rescue Institute
Rehabilitation
First Unit at Rehabilitation Center Kunnonpaikka, Kuopio
Testing and Rehabilitation Research Center Tesku, Tampere
Italy - University (InBody 3.0)
M odena and Reggio Emilia University
Korea - University Hospital (InBody 3.0)
Seoul National University Hospital
Yonsei University Medical Center
Samsung Medical Center
Japan - University Hopspital (InBody 3.2)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Japan
Tohoku University Hospital , Japan
Saga Medical University Hospital , Japan
Taiwan - University Hospital (InBody 3.0)
Taipei Medical University Hospital (TMU)
• Is the InBody validated? If yes, supply me with the publications.
Validation studies of the InBody have been carried out by independent researchers. The followings are some of published papers.
• Sartorio A., et al. Body water distribution in severe obesity and its assessment from eight-polar bioelectrical impedance analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 Feb;59(2):155-60.
• Malavolti M., et al. Cross-calibration of eight-polar bioelectrical impedance analysis versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the assessment of total and appendicular body composition in healthy subjects aged 21-82 years. Ann Hum Biol. 2003 Jul-Aug;30(4):380-91.
• Bedogni G., et al. Accuracy of an eight-point tactile-electrode impedance method in the assessment of total body water. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;56(11):1143-8.
• Are there publications using InBody?
à 1) Lee WC, Chen JJ, Hunt DD, Hou CW, Lai YC, Lin FC, Chen CY, Lin CH, Liao YH, Kuo CH. Effects of hiking at altitude on body composition and insulin sensitivity in recovering drug addicts. Prev Med. 2004 Oct;39(4):681-8.
2) Lim S, Joung H, Shin CS, Lee HK, Kim KS, Shin EK, Kim HY, Lim MK, Cho SI. Body composition changes with age have gender-specific impacts on bone mineral density. Bone. 2004 Sep;35(3):792-8.
3) Park HS, Yim KS , Cho SI. Gender differences in familial aggregation of obesity-related phenotypes and dietary intake patterns in Korean families. Ann Epidemiol. 2004 Aug;14(7):486-91.
4) Choi JW, Pai SH. Association between respiratory function and osteoporosis in pre- and postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2004 Jul 15;48(3):253-8.
5) Park YK, Park E, Kim JS, Kang MH. Daily grape juice consumption reduces oxidative DNA damage and plasma free radical levels in healthy Koreans. Mutat Res. 2004 Feb 26;546(1-2):103.
6) Choi JW, Pai SH. Brief communication: Respiratory function is closely associated with basal metabolic rate in elderly persons. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2004 Winter;34(1):99-102.
7) Choi JW, Pai SH. Bone mineral density correlates strongly with basal metabolic rate in postmenopausal women. Clin Chim Acta. 2003 Jul 1;333(1):79-84.
8) Kim WY , Hur M, Cho MS, Lee SH. Effect of olfactory function on nutritional status of Korean elderly women. Nutrition Research 23 (2003) 723-734.
9) Wang XB, Ren JA, Li JS. Sequential changes of body composition in patients with enterocutaneous fistula during the 10 days after admission. World J Gastroenterol. 2002 Dec;8(6):1149-52.
10) Toda Y, Segal N, Toda T, Morimoto T, Ogawa R. Lean body mass and body fat distribution in participants with chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2000 Nov 27;160(21):3265-9.
• How accurate is the InBody compared to DEXA? To underwater weighing?
The InBody is considered to be about 98% accurate whereas DEXA is considered to be about 98.5% accurate and so is Underwater Weighing. When compared to DEXA, on the average, its correlation was higher than 0.98.
• How many subjects from which ethnic population were studied?
We have tested over 20,000 subjects including Korean, European, Asian and American. Race and gender do not affect the accuracy of the results.
• How high is the reproducibility of the InBody?
Under the same testing conditions, it shows within an average of +/- 1% of percent body fat.
• What are international patents the InBody holds? Which technology is protected?
Both of its method and system are protected by patents from many countries: 8-point tactile electrode system and segmental analysis.
• How long does it take to perform the test?
It takes anywhere between 30 sec. and 2 min. depending on the models. The more data, the longer it takes.
• Are there any restrictions for the test such as weight, height and age? Can children be accurately measured with the InBody?
All of the InBody series have tested ranges for weight, height and age.
Weight range: 10kg ~ 250kg (22lb~551lb)
Height range: 110cm ~ 220cm (43.4in~86.6in)
Age Range : 6 yrs ~ 99 yrs
Children 6 yrs and older can be accurately tested with InBody because of its segmental analysis.
• Can people feel it such as tickling on hands and feet during the test?
No, the electrical signal sent though the body is too low to feel it. However, it could be possible for those who are very sensitive to tactile sense.
• Why do people need tissues before measuring?
It is an electrolyte tissue for better electrical conductivity of skin where electrodes make direct contact with. Without moist, it is hard to get through severe calluses or hard skin on hands and the soles of the feet. However, Salus, InBody720 and successive models do not need electrolyte tissues.
• Do women have to take off their nylons to be tested?
Yes, all the subjects have to be barefoot when tested. Although the current could get through nylons, nylons increase contact resistance of current at the contact regions and lead to inaccurate measurement.
• What are special things that people should do or shouldn't do before the test?
People should not have any fever, cold or chill. Prior to the test, they need to go to the toilet. They should not be tested right after a meal, strenuous exercise, sauna, and bath. They should not take diuretics such as caffeine, alcohol, and medications. They should be tested under the same conditions for example, at a consistent time of day. They should clean footpads and when tested, be barefoot.
• What affects the measuring? (Very dry skin, jewelry, water, food, any medications, etc)
Changes in body composition reflect body status which may be affected by diseases, nutritional status and medications. Hydration status also affects body water. Accessories such as bracelet, necklace and watch may interfere with electrical conductivity. As long as the conditions are kept the same every time, it will give consistent results.
• How long has Biospace been manufacturing body composition analyzers?
Since 1995.
• Does the InBody need special training prior to use? Is the InBody very difficult to operate?
No, it is very simple to operate and it only takes less than 15 min to get properly trained on.
• How does the InBody work?
A safe small electrical signal is sent through the body via 8-point electrodes to measure body composition. It measures weight and impedance of each body part directly and then calculates all other values such as Fat Free Mass, Percent body fat, etc. Impedance is defined as the strength and speed of an electrical current sent through the body and measured in Ohms. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is based on the fact that tissues with high water content act as a conductor of an electrical current whereas fat tissue interferes with its conductivity. The more fat there is in the body, the higher impedance.
• How often should I check body composition of my patients/clients?
This depends on your client and your program. Usually, the test is done twice a month.
• What are commonly used methods for body composition analysis?
DEXA and underwater weighing are known gold standard methods of body composition analysis. There are also skinfold thickness method using calipers, D 2 O dilution method and air displacement method. However, BIA would probably be the only method to be used in an office environment because it is non-invasive, quick and easy to conduct and does not require complicated training for use or a lot of space.
• Doesn't a caliper measure percent body fat?
Calipers are used to measure thickness of skin folding. However, it is difficult to produce consistent and accurate data because its result depends on a very highly trained technician and the equation used. It is also inconvenient for the subject and takes some time.
InBody only takes less than 2 min to do the test and it is only a step away from results.
• Do people have to be in an erect posture? Can they be tested lying down?
For people are upright standers, taking an erect posture is much closer to usual and actual current body composition. For those in bed due to illness, their current body composition status should be measured with InBody S20.
• Can the InBody measure people with artificial arms, legs, hands or feet? Do people have to have two thumbs to use the InBody?
No, they can't be tested and yes, they need both of their thumbs. The InBody's 8-point tactile electrodes have 8 contacting points. Of the eight, two points are on the thumbs of both hands and they are used to measure voltage. Thus, people need to have both thumbs. For each segment analysis, one pair is used to send current and another pair is used to measure voltage. If any one of segments is artificial, the current would not be able travel to give correct impedance. Thus, people with artificial body parts can not be tested.
• How is 8-point tactile electrode system different from adhesive EKG tape electrodes? How is it better?
It guarantees high reproducibility. The adhesive EKG tape electrodes are placed on a wrist and a tip of a finger. Voltage line and current flow line always overlap from a certain point and that point is where the measurement begins. However, it is almost impossible to place electrodes on the completely same spot every time thus, the starting point is always different. Also, because hand and wrist are highly resistant areas, small positional changes lead to a great error. Unlike adhesive type electrodes, the InBody uses tactile type electrodes. For voltage line is not placed on the current flow line, these secure the starting point of measurement for each individual. It solved the problem of low reproducibility conventional BIA had.
• How do you measure trunk impedance directly?
With 8-point tactile electrodes, different combination of contacting points makes it possible to measure impedance of the trunk.
• How is it better using multi-frequency than single frequency?
It improves accuracy. At low frequencies, it is much difficult to penetrate cellular membrane. It is less likely to assess intracellular water. As frequencies get higher, it gets much easier to get through the cellular membrane measuring intracellular water and extracellular water accurately.
• How does the InBody get body fat from water?
The volume of water is closely related with the amount of Fat Free Mass. If FFM is taken out from weight, it is fat mass.
• Why do results change when height changes?
A volume of a cylinder changes with a height change. BIA method considers the body as a cylinder and the volume of body water is calculated with height and impedance of the body.
• For children, do you have a different range of body fat?
For boys under 18, yes. Starting from 20% at the age of 7, ideal percent body fat decreases every year by 0.5% until it reaches 15% at the age of 17. For girls, ideal percent body fat is 23% the same as women.
• Why is percent body fat different in the same day?
Because water distribution of the body and weight change during the day. Fat mass is not directly measured from BIA method. It is obtained when Fat Free Mass is subtracted from weight. Weight changes during the day depending on what you eat and drink. Circulation of water may cause different distribution during the day as well. Thus, it is recommended to be tested at a consistent time of the day under the same condition to compare the results.
• If percent body fat is out of the normal range, how does it affect health? How high is too high for percent body fat? How low is too low for percent body fat? How bad is it to have too little body fat?
The body needs a certain amount of body fat for energy and some metabolism. Therefore, too much or too little body fat would cause serious medical conditions. For women, it may cause hormonal abnormality and severe eating disorders. Too much body fat causes obesity and other disease such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• How should I interpret the weight control?
Target weight of InBody is not necessarily your goal weight or standard weight. It is a suggestion based on complete body composition diagnosis to reach ideal body composition It gives you an idea how to manage your weight and achieve the ideal body composition by presenting the amount of muscle mass and fat mass you need to gain or lose.
• How is BMR calculated?
InBody uses John J. Cunningham's equation. BMR = 21.6 ? FFM (kg) + 370 (FFM=Fat Free Mass, kg) Ref. John J Cunningham. Body composition as a determinant of energy expenditure: a synthetic review and proposed general prediction equation. Am J Clin Nutr. Vol. 54, 963-969, 1991.
• How often does the InBody need calibration?
It is not necessary to do unit calibration unless there have been board replacement. Loadcell calibration should be done only when the weight seems to be incorrect. Also, Salus, InBody720 and successive models have auto-calibration function. As the power is turned on, auto-calibration is done.
• What is the life expectancy of an InBody?
Actually there is no certain number for it. As long as you take a good care of the InBody, you can use it for many years. We have customers with the InBody 2.0 bought 10 years ago and they are still using it.
• How long is the warranty period? What is and is not covered by warranty?
Biospace-branded products purchased come with 2-year limited warranty. The limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in your Biospace-branded products.
The limited warranty does not cover:
1) Problems that result from
2) External causes such as natural disaster, accident, abuse, misuse, or problems with electrical power
3) Usage that is not in accordance with product instructions
4) Failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform preventive maintenance
5) Products with missing or altered Service Tags or serial numbers
6) Products for which Biospace has not received payment
• Which printers are compatible with the InBody?
Any printers using PCL 3 or above would be compatible. They could be connected through a 25-pin parallel port or USB port. For USB port, you need a Y-shaped cable with 3 serial cables and a converter for a serial port and USB. However, InBody720 and successive models support a USB printer connector.
• What are the minimum computer requirements to run the Lookin' Body? Does it have to have window operating system?
IBM family or Intel Pentium 3 or faster is compatible with 256MB RAM and 800MB hard drive. Its operating system has to be Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP.
• If I want to install the Lookin' Body program in more than one computer, do I have to buy more CDs?
No, you do not need to buy more than one CD as long as you and your staff are using the program. However, you need to buy hard-lock keys. Each computer needs one hard-lock key to use the program.
• Is it possible to integrate all the stored data of Lookin' Body program in different computers to one computer?
Yes, you can export all the data to excel program and import the integrated data to Lookin' Body program.
• The weights from mine and from InBody are different. Which one should I trust?
People tend to believe the weight which weighs less. InBody has a very accurate and high qualified loadcell in it and also, when installing InBody, the weight calibration is done. So, you may trust the weight from InBody is exact.
• Can I integrate InBody with our system for the efficient management?
For the franchise centers Biospace R&D opens protocol to integrate InBody and other system only under Non Disclosure Agreement. There have been some occasions already. If you want such a work, we can discuss it with Biospace.