What Is A Body Composition Scan? Introducing Our New Scan by EVOLT360
- Carrie Ballas
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
The Evolt360 is a simple-to-use, 60-second body scanner that utilizes Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) to deliver more than 40 measurements of various health metrics. The Evolt 360 goes way beyond your standard BMI and calculates body fat percentage, muscle mass, hydration levels, overall body composition, and more.
How the EVOLT360 Body Composition Scan Works:
1. Electrical Signal: A small amount of safe electrical current is passed through the body. The resistance (impedance) to this current varies depending on the composition of body tissues like muscle, bone, and fat.
2. Data Interpretation: Using height, age, weight, gender, and impedance information, the device analyzes the data to estimate different components of body composition, using algorithms based on population norms.
3. User Insights: These results help users track their fitness and health goals, offering insights for nutrition and exercise planning.
Why Use Body Impedance Analysis (BIA)?
Body Impedance Analysis is important for several reasons:
1. Body Composition Assessment
BIA is a reliable and repeatable method of analyzing body composition. It provides detailed insights into fat mass, muscle mass, and water distribution. This information is crucial for understanding overall health beyond just weight.
2. Health Monitoring
Regular BIA can track changes in body composition over time, which is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of nutrition and exercise programs.
3. 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.
4. Hydration Status
BIA can assess hydration levels, which is important for overall health and athletic performance.
5. Motivation
Seeing changes in body composition can motivate individuals to maintain healthy lifestyle choices.
BMI is no longer the gold standard (and never was!)
BMI only accounts for two quantitative measurements, height and weight. In this calculation, there is no distinguishing between fat and muscle, so although two individuals may have the same BMI, they can have very different body compositions, one being very muscular and the other having a higher body fat percentage. The simplicity of the BMI can lead to misinterpretation of health and therefore relying solely on BMI may overlook other important health indicators.
Key Body Composition Markers of the EVOLT360
Visceral vs. Subcutaneous Fat: What You Need to Know (and which one is worse?)
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue aka “the fat we see”…
We need fat for insulation and cushion for our bones and organs, just not excess amounts of it! Most of our body’s fat is subcutaneous fat, or fat that is located just below the skin. Extensive deep-layer subcutaneous fat is associated with obesity and shows a strong correlation with cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.
Visceral Adipose Tissue aka “the fat we don’t see”...
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 too much of it can lead to organ dysfunction.
Why do we care about this?
High levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including liver disease, 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. Excessive visceral fat makes it harder for your body to utilize glucose which drives up blood sugar levels. This results in inflammation which can lead to issues like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, ultimately increasing your risk for cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases.
For Women
Women, especially during puberty and the years following, typically accumulate more subcutaneous adipose tissue in the thighs and gluteal region. However, in menopause and post menopause, women tend to accumulate more visceral fat, increasing disease risk.
For Men
Visceral fat accumulation is associated with lower testosterone levels after age 50. Men tend to accumulate their visceral fat in their abdomen. Visceral fat secretes several hormones such as leptin, omentin, and adiponectin that contribute to obesity-related metabolic diseases like diabetes.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors that increase visceral fat are:
poor diet
lack of physical activity
stress
lack of sleep
genetics
alcohol
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.
The Importance of Lean Mass in Weight Management
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.
Hydration & Body Composition: Intracellular vs. Extracellular Fluid
Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
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.
Macro Breakdown & Body Composition Goals
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 Suzanne Williams, RN
Please call the office at 303-459-4875, and the front desk will connect you with Suzanne to book your scan directly. Suzanne 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 Suzanne Williams, RN?
Suzanne 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 March 2025!
Suzanne is a Pennsylvania native with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CU Anschutz, and an upcoming Master’s of Nursing from CU to be completed in December 2025. She loves working with adults and helping them maintain their good health as well as manage chronic conditions when they are present.
References
EVOLT360
Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity 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.
Visceral Adipose Tissue And Residual Cardiovascular Risk: A Pathological Link And New Therapeutic Options.
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.