Body Composition Test Near Me: Signature Healthcare’s Expert Analysis

Many people focus on weight as their main health indicator. They step on a scale, check the number, and make judgments about their health based on that single measurement.

But weight alone tells an incomplete story.

Body Composition Testing: A Better Way to Measure Health

Thirty-four percent of North Carolinians have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, according to the United Health Foundation. Does this mean all these people are overweight, obese, and unhealthy? Not necessarily. Two people can weigh exactly the same yet have very different body compositions.

A bodybuilder might have a BMI of 32 but maintain an excellent 12% body fat level. Meanwhile, a couch potato could have a BMI of 20 (classified as normal) but carry 30% body fat — meaning much of their body mass consists of fatty tissue rather than muscle.

This difference matters for your long-term health. That’s why we at Signature Healthcare go beyond basic weight measurements and BMI calculations. We use advanced body composition analysis, amongst other cutting-edge technology, to give our members a complete picture of their health.

Different Testing Methods

There are several body composition tools available:

DEXA scans provide detailed information and bone density measurements but involve radiation exposure and high costs. Plus, the long appointments required for this procedure make regular monitoring impractical.

MRI and CT scans offer precise measurements but come with steep prices and, in CT’s case, significant radiation exposure.

Skinfold measurements cost less but depend heavily on the skill of the person taking the measurements. Results often vary between testers.

Hydrostatic weighing (underwater weighing) can provide accurate body density readings but cannot differentiate between limb and torso body fat and muscle distribution and is impractical for regular use.

The Most Advanced Body Composition Test Near You

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a quick, precise method that takes about three minutes to complete. Unlike other body composition tests, BIA doesn’t use radiation, making it safe for regular monitoring.

The BIA test measures:

• Skeletal muscle mass
• Body fat mass and percentage
• Water content
• Segmental analysis of arms, legs, and torso

BIA stands out for providing accurate measurements in minutes without radiation. While readings can shift slightly depending on hydration levels, the technology works perfectly for tracking progress over time. That’s why we at Signature Healthcare use this tool with our high-end InBody machine to measure body composition.

For optimal health, men should aim for body fat below 20%, while women should target below 28%. Our InBody machine analyzes overall body fat and visceral fat levels, showing whether fat distribution poses health risks.

This detailed breakdown shows exactly where you carry muscle and fat throughout your body. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this information proves invaluable for tracking progress and identifying areas that need attention.

If you’re in the Charlotte area searching for a reliable body composition test near you, our InBody machine provides hospital-grade accuracy with immediate results.

Making the Most of Modern Medicine

Body composition testing is particularly valuable for members using weight management medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro. These medications can help reduce weight effectively, but without proper exercise, including resistance training, one might lose muscle as well as fat.

I recommend patients who use these medications test every four to six months, with extra attention to those who need more resistance training. This monitoring helps to encourage the maintenance of muscle mass while reducing body fat.

How Signature Healthcare Puts Your Body Composition Test Into Action

A body composition test gives us a piece of the precise data we need to shape your personal health plan. We track trends over time rather than single measurements, acknowledging that readings may shift slightly based on hydration levels.

With testing, we can:

Create Targeted Exercise Programs

Your results might show you need more resistance training to build muscle mass. Or, perhaps your numbers point toward increasing cardiovascular exercise, which can in turn help to reduce body fat. Your physician can use this information to build a program that matches your goals.

Guide Nutrition Choices

Numbers don’t lie, and neither does your body composition. Your results help our registered dietitian make specific food recommendations to support your muscle mass while managing body fat levels.

Monitor Progress

Many members schedule brief check-ins throughout the year to track their progress. Some pop in for a quick test between appointments to see how their diet or exercise changes have affected their body composition.

Schedule a Body Composition Test Near You Today

Should we abandon BMI entirely? For those without access to body composition testing, BMI remains somewhat useful for tracking progress. For large population studies, it serves a purpose in measuring obesity rates.

But I don’t treat populations and statistics — I treat individuals. Your body composition tells us far more about your health than any height-weight calculation. A patient might register as “obese” by BMI standards yet maintain healthy body fat levels through dedicated training and a focus on healthy eating.

Want to learn more about body composition testing near you? Schedule a visit with a Signature Healthcare physician. Our comprehensive testing can help us create a health plan suited to your unique needs.