Understanding Your Body Composition Analysis Results

Body Mass Index (BMI)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

BMI is calculated from measured weight and height, presented as weight in kg divided by meters squared (kg/m²). This allows body weight to be assessed irrespective of height.

BMI ranges are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO):

• BMI <18.5 kg/m² (yellow): Underweight category
• BMI 18.5-25 kg/m² (green): Normal weight category
• BMI 25-30 kg/m² (yellow): Overweight category
• BMI >30 kg/m² (red): Obesity category

A visual representation shows a horizontal bar with numerical markers at 18.5, 25.0, and 30.0, color-coded to indicate these BMI categories. The current BMI value is highlighted.

Tips for understanding this measurement:

BMI and weight alone are insufficient measures of health as they do not assess body composition or distinguish between fat, muscle, or water. While historically used in medical and insurance contexts, the medical community increasingly recognizes its limitations and is adopting more comprehensive methods to gauge health and excess adiposity.

Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) refers to the muscles connected to your bones, playing a critical role in movement, posture, strength, and metabolism. A healthy amount of SMM is beneficial for overall physical well-being and fitness.

SMM is represented in pounds and color-coded relative to your reference group (based on age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI):

• Low muscle mass: Red zone (<5% compared to reference group)
• Low/normal muscle mass: Yellow zone (5-50% compared to reference group)
• High/normal muscle mass: Green zone (50-95% compared to reference group)
• High muscle mass: Green zone (>95% compared to reference group)

A visual shows a horizontal bar with numerical markers and color-coded segments representing SMM ranges. The current SMM value is highlighted.

Tips for understanding this measurement:

SMM calculation is validated against whole-body MRI, offering a 97% reliability rate. This data is valuable for tracking progress when aiming to increase muscle mass through strength and resistance training, coupled with adequate protein intake. During weight loss, it is crucial to focus on both diet and exercise to preserve lean muscle mass, as rapid weight loss can reduce both fat and muscle. Maintaining muscle health provides a strong foundation for overall well-being.

Fat Mass Percentage (FM%)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

The "Fat Mass %" indicates the percentage of your total body weight composed of fat. This percentage is evaluated using World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks, considering factors like gender, ethnicity, and age, and is closely linked to BMI categories:

• Low fat mass %: Green zone (BMI below 25 kg/m²)
• Increased fat mass %: Yellow zone (BMI 25-30 kg/m²)
• High fat mass %: Red zone (BMI exceeding 30 kg/m²)

A visual displays a horizontal bar with numerical markers at 10.4, 24.5, and 31.2, color-coded for FM% ranges. The current FM% value is highlighted.

Tips for understanding this measurement

While there isn't a single universal definition of "health" for body fat percentage, excess body fat, particularly around internal organs, is associated with increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. During weight loss, the primary goal is to shed excess body fat while retaining lean muscle mass and hydration. Monitoring body fat percentage is a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at weight loss. Focusing on reducing body fat and maintaining muscle mass contributes to a healthier body composition and overall well-being.

Body Composition Chart (BCC)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

The body composition chart (BCC) combines Fat Mass (FM) and Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) in a coordinate system. It allows you to categorize body composition into four general types and track how it changes over time. The values for FM and SMM are individual and relative to a reference population for age, ethnicity, and gender:

• Low Muscle: Falls in the red zone on the X-axis (<5th percentile)
• Normal/high muscle mass: Falls in the green zone on the X-axis (>5th percentile)
• High fat mass: Falls in the red zone on the Y-axis (>95th percentile)
• Normal/low fat mass: Falls in the green zone on the Y-axis (<95th percentile)

A 2D graph is depicted with SMM on the X-axis and FM on the Y-axis. It shows quadrants defined by reference lines, indicating areas for "Low Muscle", "High Muscle", "Low Fat", "High Fat", and overall "UNFAVORABLE" and "FAVORABLE" zones.

Tips for understanding this measurement

Archetypes are graphical representations, not strict labels. The graph helps visualize your starting point and desired direction. Beneficial weight loss, where mainly fat mass is lost, is indicated by a move down and to the right. Unfavorable weight loss, where mainly muscle mass is lost, is indicated by a move to the left.

Energy Expenditure (REE/TEE)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) is the energy your body requires for basic functions at rest, such as breathing and circulating blood. REE is influenced by age, gender, weight, height, and body composition. seca's device calculates REE using fat-free mass and fat mass, rather than just body weight.

Physical Activity Level (PAL) is a factor considering daily activity. Multiplying REE by PAL estimates Total Energy Expenditure (TEE), representing daily calorie needs before adjustments for weight goals.

Visuals display values for Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) in MJ/day and kcal/day, along with a Physical Activity Level (PAL) value.

Tips for understanding this measurement:

Higher muscle mass increases REE, meaning your body burns more calories at rest. Building and preserving muscle mass through strength training is a key way to raise REE. Physical activity also boosts overall energy expenditure. To maintain a healthy REE, eat regularly and avoid extreme diets that could lower metabolic rate. A higher REE allows for greater calorie intake while maintaining weight.

Waist Circumference

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

Waist Circumference (WC) is measured at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hipbone. A high WC, especially due to abdominal obesity, is associated with increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers, and fatty liver disease.

Normal ranges, defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and specific to gender and ethnicity, include:

• Women: Above 31.5 inches (red) is considered high.
• Men (European, South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African): Above 37 inches (red) is considered high.
• Men (Sub-Saharan African, Eastern Mediterranean, South/Central American): Above 35.4 inches (red) is considered high.

A visual shows the current waist circumference measurement (e.g., 40¾ inches) with an indicator highlighting if it is in the "High" range.

Tips for understanding this measurement

An elevated waist circumference measurement indicates excess abdominal fat, which is linked to increased health risks. The National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines consider waist circumference high for women at 35 inches and for men at 40 inches. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)

What is the parameter and what are normal ranges?

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) is fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Excess VAT is linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

VAT values are assessed against WHO BMI reference ranges:

• Normal visceral adipose tissue: Green
• Increased visceral adipose tissue: Yellow
• High visceral adipose tissue: Red

A visual displays the current VAT measurement (e.g., 3.7 Liters) with a color-coded indicator showing "Increased" status.

Tips for understanding this measurement

While whole-body MRI is the gold standard for measuring VAT, Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) used by seca is 97% accurate compared to MRI. Combining waist circumference with BIA provides a more comprehensive understanding of body composition and its impact on health.

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