Testing

Body Composition Test

Fat mass, skeletal muscle, body water and visceral fat. More useful than BMI.

  • OrderedAfter consultation
  • ResultsRead in a separate session
Body Composition Test at iLIV Clinic Damansara Perdana
Quick Answer

Two people at the same weight can have very different body composition. This is the measure that shows real change during a programme.

A body composition test breaks your weight into the parts that matter: fat mass, skeletal muscle, body water and visceral fat. Two people at the same weight can differ enormously, and that is why the scale alone cannot tell you whether a programme is working.

What we measure

  • Body fat percentage and fat mass in kilograms
  • Skeletal muscle mass, broken down by limb
  • Estimated visceral fat
  • Total body water, intracellular and extracellular
  • Estimated basal metabolic rate
  • Waist to hip ratio

How to prepare

The measurement uses bioelectrical impedance, so hydration affects the reading. Avoid a large meal and heavy exercise for four hours beforehand. Skip the sauna or a hot bath before measuring. Empty your bladder first. For a fair comparison between sessions, we measure at roughly the same time of day each visit.

The details

Ordered
After consultation
Results read
Separate session
Branch
Damansara Perdana
Book Consultation
Interpretation

How we use the results

A single number matters less than the trend. During a weight programme, what we want to see is fat falling while muscle holds. If weight drops but muscle drops with it, metabolic rate falls and the weight comes back. Therefore we repeat this measurement every four to six weeks while a programme is active.

What it cannot do

Limits of a body composition test

Impedance analysis gives an estimate rather than an absolute value like DEXA. It is very good at detecting change in the same person over time, and less useful for comparing two different people. We read results alongside a metabolic assessment and your clinical history. Healthy body fat ranges vary by age and sex; see the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Book a measurement.

Why a body composition test beats BMI

BMI only divides weight by height squared. It does not know how much of that weight is muscle and how much is fat. Someone who lifts regularly can read as overweight although their body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a normal BMI can carry high visceral fat, the kind that sits around the organs. If you want to check BMI first, use our BMI calculator and read the guide to calculating BMI.

Frequently Asked

How accurate is a body composition test?

It is an estimate rather than an absolute value. Very good for tracking change in one person, less precise for comparing two people.

Can I do it during my period?

Yes, although water retention can lift the reading slightly. Tell us so the result is interpreted correctly.

How often should I measure?

Every four to six weeks while a programme is active.

Still have questions?
Send a message. We reply during clinic hours.
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Start with one conversation

An initial consultation to understand your situation before any testing is recommended.

Damansara Perdana · I-City, Shah Alam · +60 14-801 6493

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