BIOELECTRIC IMPENDANCE LIPOMETRY
Lipometry, as the term implies, is the measurement of the fat percentage in the human body. It is an essential process for any dietary approach, because it offers the possibility of monitoring the progress of the efforts.
In the past, it was mainly done with a forceps-like instrument called skin fold calibers. The procedure involved many, relatively painful measurements, and the fat percentage was calculated using mathematical equations. The method is now obsolete, as are other older methods (e.g. dual-energy X-rays).
With the bioelectric impedance method, results are extracted at the same moment, unlike the previous time-consuming lipometry procedures.
HOW IS THE
BIOELECTRIC IMPENDENCE LIPOMETRY PERFORMED
Bioelectric impedance is a fast and safe procedure, very similar to electrocardiogram.
First, certain data of the patient, such as weight, height, gender, age, etc. are entered into the measuring device.
The patient then lies on his/her back in a position indicated by the doctor, who places patches with a special gel on specific parts of the patient’s body, which are connected to electrodes. By using a low-intensity alternating current, the machine accurately calculates fat percentages in the body.
In fact, the conductivity of the body is recorded, since the machine measures the resistance (impedance), which fat carries, being a bad conductor of electricity. The conductivity is automatically converted by the machine’s computer into a percentage of body fat, using mathematical algorithms.
Lipometry using the bioelectric impedance method is painless because the alternating current is of very low intensity and is not perceptible by the person examined.
LIPOMETRY OFFERS MANY & VALUABLE INFORMATION
Lipometry by bioelectric impedance offers a wide range of valuable information, such as:
• Detailed diagrammatic representation of body composition (skeletal, muscle and fat mass).
• Analytical determination of body fluids (extracellular fluid, intracellular fluid, etc.)
• Lean mass balance
• The necessary elements for diagnosing conditions, such as obesity
- You must not have eaten anything in the last 3 hours.
- You must not have consumed coffee or beverages containing caffeine.
- You must not have consumed alcohol in the last 24 hours.
- You must not have exercised in the last 24 hours.
- Women must not have their period on the day of the lipometry (it is better to do it on the first 10 days of the cycle).
Lipometry with bioelectric impedance should not be performed during pregnancy and in people with a pacemaker.