Seca: Our Body Composition Analyzer
It took me a year to decide to purchase a body composition analyzer, and my decision was not taken lightly! I looked at several others on the market, and I actually considered purchasing a DEXA scanner from GE. If you know anything about DEXA scanners - they are not cheap!
Why Seca?
I picked Seca for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the most accurate for estimating muscle mass on the market, and it is validated against MRI. MRI is the gold standard to measure someone's skeletal muscle mass, but we do not use this clinically because it is expensive and very time consuming. Other body composition scanners over estimate muscle and under estimate fat. The Seca gives us a segmental muscle breakdown, and it is the most accurate for measuring visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds our internal organs, and is thought to contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and even kidney problems. Seca is connected to a software that is updated as it needs to, so new features will continue to be added such as an area to track lifestyle adjustments, medication starts, and even challenges! And lastly, I was very interested in the built in height measurement that is super accurate. As women age, I think it is very important to measure height, but a standiometer will not work in my office because of all the chair railing that we have in all the rooms.
How does it work?
It works through something called bioimpedenace. This sends a very weak electrical current through the body via 4 different points of contact (this is important, which home scales cannot do). Those points of contact are both feet and both hands. It travels through different tissues that have different resistance. This is how it can sort out water, fat, and muscle. Tissues with higher water content (like muscle) conduct electricity easily (low resistance), while fat tissue has less water and provides more resistance. With this information, in just 45 seconds, it can then calculate muscle, water, and fat.
Can everyone use it?
You cannot use it if you are pregnant, if you have any implanted nerve stimulators or heart pacemakers. You can use it if you have a continuous glucose monitor on or other wearable devices.
What does it measure?
In my office, I measure:
Total skeletal muscle mass
Segmental muscle mass broken down between arms, legs and torso
Water composition
Total body fat
Visceral fat
Height and weight, of course
Based on the above data, and a few questions about activity level, it will also give us a resting metabolic rate and a total energy expenditure.
How I use it in my office for cardiometabolic counseling?
Help us determine your total caloric intake required to maintain and loose weight on rest days and active days.
Assess total body fat and strategize ways to improve this or maintain this.
Assess total muscle mass and strategize easy to improve this or maintain this.
I incorporate bone density acquired from DEXA scan to help make a personalized bone health plan.
If they are on a GLP1, we use the data to determine if GLP1 dose is suitable for their goals.
Helps inform risk stratification for cardiovascular disease alongside of the new PREVENT calculator, blood pressure measurements, lipid profile, and menopausal status.
How do I book a appointment to check this out?
If you are currently a member of Camel City Women’s Wellness, just give us a call, send us a message or text us and we will put you on the schedule. If you are not a member of Camel City Women’s Wellness, you can book yourself on our scanner here! Please note, that if you are not currently a membered patient, the visit just includes the scan and the report. It does not include a consultation or personalized recommendations.
