Beyond the Scale – InBody Machine available in Phillips County

When you step on the scale and see you have lost three pounds, what did you really lose? Fat? Muscle? Water? Health is determined by more than the number on the scale or Body Mass Index measurements that don't take muscle into consideration. Therefore, Colorado State University Extension is relying on another piece of equipment: The InBody Machine.

The Inbody is a sophisticated machine that uses a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis. BIA method sends a small alternating current through the body that allows for highly accurate measurements of a person's body fat as well as water, lean mass, overall weight and more. The scan is painless, quick and non-invasive. It then breaks the data down for you in a printout and can even chart your progress over time. Progress that may not show up on a traditional scale method. For instance, some participants during A Healthier Weigh program; a 12-week weight loss program that CSU Extension runs annually each January for the Golden Plains Area, felt progress wasn't being made due to no changes in their weight. After using the Inbody, they could see their body composition was changing, even though the scale doesn't reflect it, or the mirror doesn't show the desired changes ... yet.

Not only will you see how much you weigh; you'll understand how much of that weight is muscle, fat or water. Keeping an eye on your Body Fat Percentage is a great, healthy way to track your progress on your health and fitness journey. The InBody also breaks down your muscle percentage into different segments of your body, which will show you what areas to work on, or if one of your arms or legs is stronger than the other. As well as BMR (basal metabolic rate) of the user. Your basal metabolic rate measures the minimum amount of calories that your body needs to perform necessary functions. Factors like age, sex, muscle mass and physical activity affect metabolism or BMR.

To begin, the individual will take off their shoes and socks and stand on a metal plate, holding on to two handles. Both the foot plate and the handles contain electrodes, that send an imperceptible electrical current through the body. The machine is also hooked up to a printer which, within five minutes, delivers a full InBody report for the person at hand.

The InBody machine is a great way for people to stay physically fit because it gives them a baseline to set their own health goals and keep them on track. With this machine you can also tell if a person is losing muscle instead of losing fat. So often, people look at the number on the scale and think it's good that they lost weight, but if they're only losing muscle and storing fat - it's still not helping them achieve over-all health and well-being. This is especially true as we age. Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) is a natural part of aging. After age 30, you begin to lose as much as three to five percent per decade. Research has indicated men will lose about 30 percent of their muscle mass during their lifetime. Less muscle means greater weakness and less mobility, both of which may increase your risk of falls and fractures.

For the most accurate results, users should not eat, drink or exercise prior to testing. Try to abstain for two hours prior to tests scheduled in late afternoon. Users should also remove shoes, socks, stockings and anything from their pockets. It is also recommended to use the bathroom and stand upright for at least five minutes before your InBody test. This helps ensure your body fluid is evenly distributed. The goal is to test under the similar conditions to enhance reproducibility when comparing tests.

The InBody machine is 98 percent accurate and test results can give your team of healthcare professionals valuable insight that will assist them in providing you with more accurate treatment and recommendations. Doctors, clinicians, physical therapists, personal trainers, dieticians and more can all use this information to better serve you.

Each appointment lasts approximately 15 minutes, which includes an overview of your print-out results. The InBody Scan is for those over the age of 18 years old. It is not recommended for anyone that has an implant device such as a pacemaker or for women who are pregnant. The Inbody Machine will be available at the Haxtun Health Specialty Clinic on Monday, Nov. 14. As well as in Holyoke at the Phillips County Extension Office on Nov. 17 and 18. Please call the Phillips County Extension Office to make an appointment or scan the QR code below. Locations and time availability are as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 14, by appointment at Haxtun Health's Specialty Clinic - 235 W. Fletcher St. Haxtun. Register by calling Phillips County Extension Office - (970) 854-3616; and

• Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18 by appointment at the Phillips County Extension Office - 22505 US HWY 385 Holyoke. Register by calling Phillips County Extension - (970) 854-3616.

Colorado State University Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.