Analyse this

Sat, May 17 03:15 AM

A hallmark of the past century has been the huge technological advance. Unfortunately, the more we progress, the more we rely - sometimes blindly - on technology.

This is as true for matters related to weight reduction as for any other issue. Almost all weight reduction clinics of repute these days provide a now standard facility that allows the analysis of body composition for fats.

There has been some scientific evidence to support their use. Several studies have suggested that people ought to be less concerned with what they weigh and more concerned with figuring out if the weight comes from fat or muscle. No wonder weighing scales are passé and body fat analysers are in.

A fat analyser gives you an idea of the presence of body fat as opposed to muscle tissue. This works on the basis that compared to fat, lean tissue has a lower electrical resistance. To assess the volume of fat, electrodes are placed on palms or wrists and sometimes even on ankles and a mild current is passed through body. The amount of current that passes diminishes with the amount of fat.

The tool is popular as it is safe, non-invasive and portable.

But like other technological devices, it has its limitations.

For instance, if your body fat is distributed in a manner that is different from the normal - for example, if you are endowed with excessive abdominal fat - the results may not be accurate.

This is because the underlying quantitative principle in such models is based on assumptions like a normal distribution of fat. Another drawback is the crucial role played by the hydration level of the body in securing accurate readings. In addition, alcohol, caffeine, diuretics, and exercise play a role in the analysis.

Dehydrated states will reflect a higher fat status than the true value. In addition, it is important not to take a reading straight after a meal.

What is not wise is the tendency to rely too much on this tool. One-time measurements are really of very little value. The possible utility - if at all - of this tool could be realised if a series of measurements over a period of time are taken. If then you find that your body fat is creeping up with your weight remaining the same, it is reason for concern.

nsingh.rxpress@expressindia.com

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