Let’s face it, trusting your BMI number to accurately tell you whether you’re healthy or not is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – you’re probably going to miss the mark. BMI [Body Mass Index] is the ultimate oversimplification. It crams everyone into neat little categories without considering the unique complexities of individual body composition. But fear not, we have an InBody to make sure you have a unique reading just for you.
But let me get personal for a minute. BMI is a garbage number.
Yes, I said it. When I look at my BMI I should rejoice in my “healthiness.” However, my body doesn’t always feel healthy nor does my InBody really reflect this. I need more muscle. Lean muscle = indicator of overall health and longevity.
Research has shown that higher levels of muscle mass are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. Regular exercise and strength training not only build muscle but also have anti-inflammatory effects, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
The InBody is like having x-ray vision for your fitness/weight loss/and longevity goals. Here’s why:
Muscle Mass Analysis: The InBody570 doesn’t just tell you how much you weigh – it breaks it down into muscle, giving you a detailed snapshot of your muscle mass distribution. Whether you’re bulking up or toning down, this feature lets you track muscle gains and losses with unparalleled accuracy. For me, it tells me I need to gain 5lb of muscle. Which is better than the 8lb I needed to gain several months ago. #winning
Body Fat Percentage: It’s not an ALL bad number, but an important number to watch because it allows you to make informed decisions about your health and fitness goals. Why? Body fat percentage refers to the proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat tissue. You need some fat on your body because it’s essential for insulation, energy storage, and hormone regulation. Woman, if you lose all your fat, you can alter hormone production, periods may stop, and you may miss periods, etc. You need fat for healthy hormone production.
Armed with information about your body fat percentage, you can tailor your fitness and nutrition strategies to achieve your goals more effectively. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or improve overall health, knowing your body fat percentage can help you set realistic targets, track progress, and make adjustments as needed.
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- If your goal is to reduce body fat, you can focus on incorporating more cardiovascular exercise and calorie-controlled nutrition into your routine.
- Conversely, if your goal is to increase muscle mass, you can prioritize strength training and adequate protein intake to support muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.
Visceral Fat Level: Not all fat is created equal, and visceral fat is the sneaky villain you want to keep in check. You want this number 10 or less. Excess visceral fat is strongly associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory substances and hormones that can disrupt normal metabolic function and contribute to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and other metabolic abnormalities.
Now, remember… you can’t out exercise a bad diet. 
This was me. I thought my metabolism, good genes, sparkling wit, and dazzling personality would overcome my processed food preference. Jokes of me. While exercise is vital for burning calories and improving overall well-being, it’s insufficient to counteract the effects of a poor diet on visceral fat accumulation. The quality of our dietary choices significantly impacts our metabolic health, with processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats contributing to visceral fat storage. You can see it in my face, my gut health, and my joint pain. That inflammation builds up. It’s essential to prioritize both regular physical activity and a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and for me, limit alcoholic beverages. My liver doesn’t tolerate excess well.
Learn to listen to your body. Get an InBody, see what your body is telling you.