Advanced Body Composition Analysis with AKERN® Software
We provide the gold-standard in Bioelctrical Impedance Analysis of body composition from Europe, AKERN® is an Italian company founded in 1980, with 40 years of dedicated to research and development of bioimpedance medical devices and software for body composition analysis. It’s devices are used extensively throughout European hospitals and clinics for point of care and medical grade analysis.
The “composition” of fitness change
1.
BODYGRAM®
This is the most advanced software for complete body composition assessment.
Thanks to 40 years of research and presence in the market, more than 4000 peer reviewed articles with 20.000 users globally, AKERN® solution in considered the reference for experts in body composition. BODYGRAM®, software incorporates AKERN®‘s scientific progress and knowledge of body composition.
Anthropomorphic Evaluation of body composition and cardio-metabolic risk
The anthropometric data that is collected is particularly important to monitor localised fat and to assess the risk of cardio-metabolic disease. The software provides a simple method for anthropometric data collection and evaluation. It is now widely accepted that chronic inflammation caused by adiposity is a pivotal factor in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, playing a role at various stages of their development [1].
2.
Body Composition and the elevated risk of dyslipidemia
The presence of excess adipose tissue is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, which in turn can lead to dyslipidemia, characterised by an alteration in the typical concentration of lipids present in the bloodstream. The elevation of circulating free fatty acids and the presence of inflammatory markers originating from adipose tissue can result in an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, accompanied by a reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [2].
Best In Class Algorithms
Algorithms based on the true hydration state so fat mass and fat free mass estimates are more accurate. Predictive formulas and specific reference values for paediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Integrates the calculation of daily energy expenditure with the level of physical activity (PAL) and the energy expenditure induced by physical and sports activities.
3.
Indices for Screening and Diagnosis of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia Assessment
Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) and Fat Mass Index (FMI): BODYGRAM® software can monitor the nutritional status over time throught the use of FFMI and FMI percentile curves dor Caucasian subjects from 18 to 98 years old.
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI): this index represents the ratio between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASMM) calculated using Sergi’s equation (Sergi et al) and height. ASMI has been formally recognised by the latest European guidelines for diagnosis of Sarcopenia.
Muscle Quality Index (MQI): this index in a measure of muscle mass quality and depends on muscle strenght measured dynamometry and the amount of estimated muscle mass.
Standardized Phase Angle (SPA): the phase angle standardized by sex and age. This parameter expresses within the population of normal subjects, the ratio between average Phase Angle values of subjects beloging to a specific age and sex group and its standard deviation.
Based on this data, the user can set a clear weight loss or gain program, based on an accurate estimate of the energy requirement, adjust the calorie intake in the diet, plan the timing of the amount of weight to lose.
WHAT IS BODY COMPOSITION
Body composition is the percentage of the human body's bone, fat, water, and muscle mass. Using various metrics to rate these such as percentage and weight relative to height. It provides useful information about the state of your bodies composition and allows tracking of weight and muscle mass related goals to potentially prevent and/or maintain your body balance. With the analysis of the body's composition, it gives an in-depth insight into your overall physical wellness through the break down of each segment of the body.
WHY IS IT USEFUL?
Some individuals may be the same weight and size but have different activity levels. Take for example an infrequent exerciser and a weekend warrior. A BMI test may show the same scores, but the weight may consist of more muscle or fat. BMI unfortunately is also used in many risk predictions for critical diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic and so it can miss vital information on likelihoods of outcomes. Did you know that Sarcopenic obesity or (SO) is becoming a global health concern, owing to the rising older population, causing cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Loss of muscle exceeding normal age-related changes has been revealed to be associated with obesity, aggravating each other through complex interactions.
Body compostion can show patients have different:
Exercise needs;
Nutritional needs;
Health risks; and
Fitness goals
By knowing one’s body composition it can used for motivation, accountability and/or doing more tailored exercise to obtain personalised results by measuring your body fat percentage and muscle mass changes.
It gives you a snapshot of your current state and a measure of your overall health and wellness.
References
Bell, J. A., Carslake, D., O’Keeffe, L. M., Frysz, M., Howe, L. D., Hamer, M., Wade, K. H., Timpson, N. J., & Davey Smith, G. (2018). Associations of Body Mass and Fat Indexes With Cardiometabolic Traits. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(24), 3142-3154.
Fu, L., Cheng, H., Xiong, J., Xiao, P., Shan, X., Li, Y., Li, Y., Zhao, X., & Mi, J. (2025). Effect of life course body composition on lipids and coronary atherosclerosis mediated by inflammatory biomarkers. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 227, 157-165.
phase angle is dependent upon the cell membrane capacitance but also the relative proportion of body water in the extra- and intracellular spaces, reflected in R0 and Ri and higher values typically represent better cellular health. Tinsley et al., 2019