Advanced Body Composition Analysis (BCA) for clinical decision-support
We provide the gold-standard in Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) of body composition from Europe, with an Italian company Akern, founded in 1980, dedicated to research and development of bioimpedance medical devices and software for body composition analysis.
Objective fat, muscle and water analysis with phase angle — clinician PDF in 2–3 business days.
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Method: Multi-frequency bio-impedance analysis (BIA) with AKERN®/BODYGRAM®.
Purpose: Quantify fat mass, fat-free/muscle mass, body water (ECW/ICW) and phase angle to support exercise and nutrition planning.
Use cases: Sarcopenia risk, rehab baselines, weight management, cardio-metabolic programmes, insurer/employer baselines.
Scope: Functional assessment to guide care — non-diagnostic; abnormal findings are referred to GP/cardiology.The anthropometric data that is collected is particularly important to monitor localised fat and to assess the risk of cardio-metabolic disease.
Data: PDF primary; CSV available on request for audit/trend.
Security: coded IDs in filenames; encrypted at rest/in transit; retention 7 years.
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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]. Thanks to 40 years of research and presence in the market, more than 4000 peer reviewed articles with 20,000 users globally, BODYGRAM®, software incorporates AKERN®‘s scientific progress and knowledge of body composition.
Body Composition & the Elevated Risk of Dyslipidemia
Excess adipose tissue is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, which can be characterised by an alteration in the typical concentration of lipids in the bloodstream. The elevation of circulating free fatty acids and the presence of inflammatory markers originating from the excess likely results in increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides,& the risk of dyslipidemia [2].
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Who benefits:
Older adults (falls risk, frailty, muscle preservation)
Cardio-metabolic risk (obesity, T2DM, dyslipidaemia)
Return-to-activity / post-event rehab (objective baselines)
Considerations/contraindications: Pacemaker/ICD (clinic policy), pregnancy, oedema shifts — interpret trends with context.
Algorithms based on the individuals 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 are applied spearately.
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They can set a clear weight loss or gain program, based on an accurate estimate of the energy requirement, adjust diet, a plan & its timing. Simple analysis and quick and easy monitoring more accurate than daily weighing.
Position: Supine or standing — choose one and keep it consistent across visits.
Preparation (for best accuracy):
Avoid heavy exercise & large meals 4–6 h prior; normal hydration; no alcohol 24 h.
Remove metal/jewellery as required; check skin contact points.
Timing: 15–20 min including set-up, capture and brief counselling.
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Primary outputs:FM, %Fat, FFM/SMM, TBW/ECW/ICW, Phase Angle (PA).
Segmental (if enabled): distribution by limbs/trunk to localise change.
How we interpret:
Compare to age/sex reference ranges and the individual’s prior visit.
Emphasise trends under similar test conditions (position, time-of-day, prep).
PA is reported as context (cell health/quality marker), not a diagnosis.
Also includes ASMI -this index represents the ratio between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASMM) calculated using Sergi’s equation (Sergi et al. 2015) and height. ASMI has been formally recognised by the latest European guidelines for diagnosis of Sarcopenia.
Caveats: Hydration status and recent exertion can shift values; repeat under similar conditions.
Also includes ASMI- this index represents the ratio between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASMM) calculated using Sergi’s equation (Sergi et al. 2015) and height. ASMI has been formally recognised by the latest European guidelines for diagnosis of Sarcopenia.
MQI- this index is a measure of muscle mass quality and depends on muscle strength measured dynamometry and the amount of estimated muscle mass.
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Deliverable:Clinician PDF in 2–3 business days (priority 24 h) with summary flags and key tables/plots; patient receives plain-English summary.
Data:PDF primary; CSV available on request for audit/trend.
Identifiers & security: Coded filenames (no PHI), encrypted at rest and in transit; retention 7 years.
Cross-links: We can align BCA with gait/ROM findings and exercise prescription (FITT) for one coherent plan.
Measured on a multi-frequency BIA system in current clinical use across European hospitals.
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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
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Duration: 15–20 min.
Location: Private bay, Christchurch Hospital precinct.
Rescheduling: Free if >24 h before appointment.
Follow-up: Re-test at 4–8 weeks to confirm fat-loss vs muscle-preservation trajectory.
CTA: Book body composition (opens BCA category; pricing displayed in the scheduler before confirmation).