InBody: A step towards a healthier lifestyle

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan McElderry
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

Since October 2018, the 5th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center has been using a more precise way to analyze the overall fitness levels of Airmen and families at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

By using an InBody machine, Team Minot members are able to receive a quick analysis of their body composition and see what specific areas they may need to work on. The InBody machine is free to use for all active duty members, dependents, retirees and GS employees.

 

What is InBody?

The InBody device precisely measures body composition by sending multiple electrical voltages throughout the body, resulting in up to six different impedance readings for the trunk and four limbs. The InBody also reports the amount of visceral fat as well as the BMR (basal metabolic rate) of the user.

With an analysis that takes less than two minutes, the InBody machine analyzes and breaks down the percentages of the user’s body composition, muscle mass and distribution, lean body mass, body fat percentage, and metabolic rate. 

 

What are the health benefits of InBody?

“The InBody machine is a great way for people to stay physically fit because it gives them a baseline in order to set their own health goals and keep them on track,” said Lori Halvorson, 5th Medical Operations Squadron health promotion coordinator. “With this machine you can also tell if a person is losing muscle instead of losing fat. A lot of people just look at the scale and think it’s good that they lost weight, but if they’re only losing muscle and storing fat then it’s still not helping them.”

Approximately 30 to 40 people with a wide range of fitness levels use the InBody machine on a monthly basis.

“If people can actually see what they’re doing versus just a number on a scale it can help motivate them,” Halvorson said. “Even if you’re already fit and healthy it can help motivate you to stay that way.”


How to use InBody?

To get the most accurate reading, users should not eat, drink or exercise within two hours prior to testing. Users should also remove socks, shoes and anything from their pockets or wear workout clothes for the analysis.

Each appointment lasts approximately 15 minutes, which includes a discussion about the results with a dietician or health coordinator.

Users can also come back for multiple appointments and the machine charts the history of previous tests for Airmen to see whether or not they’ve made progress in their overall health.

To schedule an InBody appointment, call the Health and Wellness Center at 701-723-5399.