As your healthcare provider, I strive to bring you the latest in health and healing therapies. The Evolt Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a method used to measure body composition by analyzing the electrical impedance of the body. It provides insights into various health metrics, such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, hydration levels, and overall body composition.
Here's how it works:
1. Electrical Signal: A small electrical current is passed through the body. The resistance (impedance) to this current varies depending on the composition of body tissues.
2. Data Interpretation: The Evolt device analyzes the impedance data to estimate different components of body composition, using algorithms based on population norms.
3. User Insights: The results help users track their fitness and health goals, offering insights for nutrition and exercise planning.
Evolt BIA is often used in medical clinics, fitness settings and wellness programs to monitor progress and inform lifestyle changes.
Why do BIA?
Body Impedance Analysis is important for several reasons:
1. Body Composition Assessment
BIA provides detailed insights into body composition, including fat mass, muscle mass, and water distribution. This information is crucial for understanding overall health beyond just weight.
2. Health Monitoring
Regular BIA can help track changes in body composition over time, which is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of diet and exercise programs.
3. Tailored Fitness Plans
By understanding an individual's body composition, health and fitness professionals can create more personalized and effective workout and nutrition plans.
4. Health Risk Evaluation
Body fat distribution is linked to various health risks. BIA can help identify individuals at higher risk for conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
5. Hydration Status
BIA can assess hydration levels, which is important for overall health and athletic performance.
6. Motivation
Seeing changes in body composition can motivate individuals to maintain healthy lifestyle choices.
" I was nervous to get my scan done after working on weight loss for so many years, but instead I found this to be empowering and useful. I have increased my protein intake and am doing more weight training and have already lost 6 lbs!" - Idella S, 77 years old
BMI is no longer the gold standard (never was!)
BMI is only looking at two categories, height and weight. It does not distinguish between fat and muscle, therefore two individuals with the same BMI can have very different body compositions, with one being muscular and the other having a higher body fat percentage. The BMI calculations simplicity can lead to misinterpretation of health and therefore relying solely on BMI may overlook other important health indicators.
Key Markers of the EVOLT360
Adipose Tissue
Subcutaneous versus Visceral (which one is worse?)
In terms of total adipose tissue (fat cells), about 80% to 90% is subcutaneous, meaning it tends to develop just beneath the skin. This subcutaneous fat is further categorized into superficial and deep layers, with the deep layer expanding in cases of obesity and showing a stronger correlation with cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance related to obesity.
Visceral Tissue (fat)
This fat is stored deep in the abdomen, surrounding organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines. Visceral fat is much more concerning than Subcutaneous fat, and it's not the fat you can see!
Why do we care about this?
High levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This is partly because visceral fat releases inflammatory substances called cytokines, which can trigger inflammation throughout the body affecting various organ systems. Visceral fat will make it harder for your body to utilize glucose, driving up sugars in the body, which are inflammatory and can lead to disease and Diabetes. Visceral fat will constrict blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure. Visceral fat can also contribute to abnormal cholesterol levels, increasing risk of cardiovascular heart disease.
For Women
Women, especially during puberty and after, typically accumulate more subcutaneous adipose tissue. However, in menopause and post menopause, subcutaneous fat can convert to visceral fat and it can increase by 44%!
For Men
Visceral fat accumulation is associated with lower testosterone levels during Andropause. Rising estrogen levels in Andropause may also influence body weight and composition. Men tend to accumulate their visceral fat in their abdomen.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors that increase visceral fat are
poor diet
lack of physical activity
alcohol
lack of sleep
genetics
stress
aging
Toxins, particularly lipophilic (fat-soluble) ones, can also increase visceral fat by accumulating within adipose tissue (fat cells), primarily in the abdominal area. This accumulation of toxins can disrupt normal metabolic functions, leading to increased fat storage and contributing to inflammation and further visceral fat deposition.
Lean Mass
Lean mass refers to the total weight of everything in your body except fat. This includes muscles, bones, organs, blood, and connective tissues. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, burning more calories at rest compared to fat tissue, which contributes to a higher basal metabolic rate. Greater lean mass often correlates with improved strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance.
Maintaining or increasing lean mass is crucial for effective weight management, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and enhancing functional capacity as we age. For those looking to lose weight or improve fitness, prioritizing the preservation or increase of lean mass becomes an essential aspect of their body composition goals.
Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
Intracellular Fluid
ICF refers to the fluid contained within the cells of the body.It represents a significant portion of total body water, playing a crucial role in cellular function by aiding in nutrient transport, waste removal, and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Monitoring ICF provides valuable insights into hydration status, cellular health, and overall body composition, as changes in ICF levels can indicate issues like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
ECF refers to the fluid found outside the cells in the body and plays a critical role in transporting nutrients, waste products, and signaling molecules. Monitoring ECF levels can provide valuable insights into hydration status and overall health, as changes may indicate fluid retention, dehydration, or imbalances affecting bodily functions.
Macros
Once you have completed the EVOLT360 scan, it computes macros based on your data and goal (goal options are: fat loss, muscle gain or overall health maintenance). Macronutrients, commonly referred to as "macros," are essential nutrients that the body needs in large amounts to function properly. Macros include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, each serving unique and vital roles in overall health and wellness. Fat loss typically involves consuming fewer calories and increasing protein intake, which can help you feel fuller and stabilizes blood sugar levels as well.
EVOLT360 Pricing
$60 per scan
Bookings: with Izzy Chelini, RN
Please call the office at 303-459-4875, and the Front Desk will connect you with Izzy to book your scan directly. Izzy will also give you important "prescan" conditions to follow ahead of the appointment because food, hydration and timing all matter in getting accurate data.
Who is Izzy Chelini, RN?
Izzy Chelini, is the newest addition to the BIH team, and will be assisting in our exciting New Integrative Weight Loss Program at Boulder Integrative Health, officially launching in January 2025!
Izzy Chelini is a California native with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis University. Her love for fitness took off while playing soccer in college. It didn’t take long for Izze to realize that she wanted to blend her passion for health and fitness with patient care. For the past four years, she has worked in the fast-paced world of labor and delivery at Rose Medical Center in Denver, and absolutely loved it! Now, she is on an exciting journey to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), with graduation just around the corner in May 2025.
"One of my favorite experiences so far has been my clinical rotation at Boulder Integrative Health, where I learned the in’s and out’s of functional medicine with Carrie. Now I get to carry out a passion of mine, helping people achieve optimal health and feel their best!" -Izze C
Resources & References
Wu, Y., Li, D., & Vermund, S. H. (2024). Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity. International journal of environmental research and public health, 21 (6), 757.
Cesaro, A., De Michele, G., Fimiani, F., Acerbo, V., Scherillo, G., Signore, G., Rotolo, F. P., Scialla, F., Raucci, G., Panico, D., Gragnano, F., Moscarella, E., Scudiero, O., Mennitti, C., & Calabrò, P. (2023).
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine,10 , 1187735.
