A Plug for Body Composition Testing

[Anonymous]

I recently tested my body composition and strongly recommend it for anyone who is concerned about losing muscle in middle age. I’m a 53-year old female former athlete with a healthy BMI of 20. Post menopausal due to a hysterectomy two years ago. Despite weighing the same as in my college years, I am no where near my former physique. I walk daily and eat healthfully but I’m soft, injury prone, and sedentary in my work. I’m not concerned about losing weight, but want to be stronger so I can remain active for life. In my college days, my body fat was a very lean 19% compared to 31% last week. Not terrible, still considered healthy, but no wonder I don’t recognize myself anymore. I also got my BMR tested and lo and behold, I am consistently getting about 500 calories too few for my needs, which explains why my energy is low.

Based on this information, I’ve resolved to eat more protein, consume more calories, and add more strength training. I also learned about asymmetrical muscle atrophy caused by injuries and overcompensation leading to pain and overuse injuries. It was really eye opening and well worth the money. I plan to do it again in 90 days to see if these changes make a difference.

[Anonymous]

Where did you get this done?

[Anonymous]

It's also very useful for tracking progress. I had one done, then stuck to a very strict diet and exercise plan and had another done. The scale barely moved and I was so discouraged, even though I felt better for the exercise. The scan showed I had put on 10 lbs of muscle and lost 8 lbs of fat. I don't think I would have stayed committed to the work if I didn't see the results in color like that.

[Anonymous]

How much did it cost you?

[Anonymous]

YES. An ACCURATE measurement of body composition would make a world of difference for so many women on this board who can't figure out why their "metabolism is slowing down" (actually about deteriorating muscle mass).

[Anonymous]

OP here. I remember getting it done at GW Hospital decades ago but I’m not sure if they still do it. Insurance paid because I had so many injuries my sports medicine doctor prescribed it. Last week I got it done at Composition ID in DC (there are other locations). It cost $200 for the bio-impedance scan (also gives bone density) and the BMR breath test to check my metabolism. I plan to repeat it in 90 days and then again annually or biannually.

[Anonymous]

I want to get this done!

[Anonymous]

The Bodymass Gym in Arlington does it too and is a bit cheaper than Composition ID.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where did you get this done?

NP. I got all this done at George Mason - they have some lab where you can get it done for a reasonable cost. I got the BMR and BodPod done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I remember getting it done at GW Hospital decades ago but I’m not sure if they still do it. Insurance paid because I had so many injuries my sports medicine doctor prescribed it. Last week I got it done at Composition ID in DC (there are other locations). It cost $200 for the bio-impedance scan (also gives bone density) and the BMR breath test to check my metabolism. I plan to repeat it in 90 days and then again annually or biannually.

I’ve had several scans from them. Ladies, make sure you get it done the same time in your cycle or your numbers will be off. For better or for worse.

[Anonymous]

I had this done at Composition ID in Arlington and I’d cost about $100. I had been lying to myself, I learned, about how much of my weight was “muscle weight.” Turns out I was not gaining weight because of my workouts, but because of my overeating. (A smarter person might have intuited this without having to spend $100, perhaps. But I work out a lot so I thought maybe… But I also eat a lot.)

Also it’s good to learn how healthy your bones are.

[Anonymous]

What kind of scan?

[Anonymous]

Just looked it up. Not sure it’s a good idea to voluntarily get extra radiation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just looked it up. Not sure it’s a good idea to voluntarily get extra radiation?

It’s all about cost/benefit analysis IMO. No, extra radiation probably not a good thing, but it is good to learn about your bone density and amount of visceral fat. Knowing that can prompt some people to make healthy changes they might not have otherwise. And radiation is everywhere, so it’s a question of degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just looked it up. Not sure it’s a good idea to voluntarily get extra radiation?

It’s all about cost/benefit analysis IMO. No, extra radiation probably not a good thing, but it is good to learn about your bone density and amount of visceral fat. Knowing that can prompt some people to make healthy changes they might not have otherwise. And radiation is everywhere, so it’s a question of degree.

Agreed. The risks and costs of obesity, injury, and osteoporosis greatly outweigh the risks of minimal radiation. I’m surprised more GPs don’t recommend them as part of regular health screening.