As someone who has tracked my weight for years, I've often wondered if the number on the scale was telling me the whole story. When I had the opportunity to try the InBody 380 body composition analyzer at CU Medicine Women's Integrative Services in Health (WISH) in Park Meadows, I jumped at the chance to learn more about what's really happening with that number on the scale.
Working on the business development and planning team at CU Medicine has given me insight into various breakthrough technologies but experiencing them as a patient offers an entirely different perspective. As a patient of Devon Wall, NP at CU Medicine WISH – Park Meadows, I was curious to see how this technology enhances the patient experience and provides more comprehensive health data.
What is the InBody 380?
The InBody 380 is a sophisticated body composition analyzer that uses bioelectrical impedance to measure various aspects of your physical makeup.
Unlike a standard scale that only tells you your total weight, the InBody 380 scale provides detailed measurements of:
- Muscle mass (total and segmental)
- Body fat percentage
- Water balance (intracellular and extracellular)
- Basal metabolic rate
- Visceral fat level
- Body fat distribution
“The technology works by sending safe, low-level electrical currents through the body. Since different tissues conduct electricity at different rates, the machine can calculate precise measurements of fat, water and muscle,” shares Lea Gunnet, clinical nurse at CU Medicine.
This detailed breakdown provides a much more comprehensive picture of health than traditional methods like BMI (body mass index), which doesn't distinguish between weight from muscle versus fat.
The scan: What to expect
The InBody 380 scanning process is remarkably quick and straightforward. When I arrived at the clinic, nurse Lea guided me through each step:
Preparation: Before stepping on the machine, I removed my clothing and put on the provided robe. I was advised to use the restroom beforehand for the most accurate results.
Initial Setup: Nurse Lea entered my basic information (height, age and gender) into the system. The machine calibrated itself automatically.
Positioning: I stepped onto the platform, placing my feet directly on the metal sensors. The correct foot position is clearly marked on the machine.
Hand Sensors: I grasped the hand electrodes with my arms extended slightly away from my body. Maintaining a comfortable stance is important for accurate readings.
The Scan: The actual scanning process takes only about 30 seconds. I felt absolutely nothing during this time – no vibration or sensation from the electrical current passing through my body.
Results: Almost immediately after the scan completed, the machine printed out a detailed report of my body composition.
Understanding the results
The printed report I received contained a wealth of information presented in both numerical data and easy-to-understand graphics. Here's a breakdown of the key measurements:
Key measurements
Body composition analysis: This section broke down my weight into total body water, dry lean mass and body fat. Seeing these components visualized helped me understand that weight alone doesn't tell the full story.
Muscle-fat analysis: This comparison showed my weight, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass against standard ranges. It was enlightening to see how my muscle mass compared to recommendations. Turns out my time in the gym has paid off!
Obesity analysis: Beyond just BMI, this section included percent body fat and visceral fat level. Wall explained that visceral fat (the fat surrounding internal organs) is particularly important for assessing health risks like heart disease and diabetes.
Segmental lean analysis: This fascinating breakdown showed muscle distribution across five body segments (right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg and left leg), helping identify any muscular imbalances.
Body Composition History: Since this was my first scan, this section was blank but would track changes over time with future scans.
I’m looking forward to returning in three months and checking to see how the results have changed.
What the numbers mean
During my consultation with my provider after the scan, she explained that these measurements provide a comprehensive picture of health that goes far beyond weight or BMI. The numbers help identify:
- Whether weight gain/loss is coming from muscle or fat
- If there are muscle imbalances that might lead to injury
- Whether body fat percentage falls within healthy ranges
- How much visceral fat might be impacting internal organ health
- If water retention might be affecting weight fluctuations
Devon emphasized that these measurements serve as valuable baseline data. “People have different body types,” shared Devon. “Two people could have the same BMI score and one of those people could be perfectly fit and healthy, while the other may be under or over nourished.”
Surprising findings
The most unexpected insight from my scan was discovering that I have been aiming for the wrong calorie intake every day. Based on my goals and current basal metabolic rate, Devon and her team were able to give me the perfect number to aim for to meet my weight goals while maintaining my muscle and overall health.
I was also surprised to learn that I could reach my weight goals by focusing more on strengthening my legs. Devon explained that focusing on my lower body during my workouts could raise my overall basal metabolic rate and in turn result in more lean muscle instead of fat.
These insights would have been impossible to discover with a standard scale or even caliper measurements. The comprehensive nature of the InBody 380 scan provided a much more nuanced picture of my body composition and actionable goals I can take to the gym, on my runs and with my overall nutrition.
The whole picture at CU Medicine – Women’s Integrative Services in Health Park Meadows
After experiencing the InBody 380 scan, I've gained a new perspective on body composition that goes far beyond what a standard scale could tell me. The detailed insights about muscle distribution, visceral fat and body water balance have already shifted my health goals toward a more targeted and scientific approach.
Combined with Devon’s management of my overall health, I feel as if I’m being taken care of in every way possible. CU Medicine’s WISH clinic integrates care with my specialty providers at the Anschutz Medical Campus, mental health and now is helping to support my weight loss goals.
For anyone interested in understanding their own body composition or receiving primary care designed just for women, I recommend scheduling by calling (720) 516-0621 or visiting the CU Medicine WISH clinic website here.
