Height, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index) have long been the standard tools for measuring health. However, these numbers don’t always tell the whole story. At Women First, we are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive approach to women’s health. We now offer body composition analysis using the SECA medical Body Composition Analyzer (mBCA).

Why BMI Alone Isn’t Enough

BMI has been widely used to assess health by comparing weight to height. However, it does not differentiate between fat and muscle or consider fat distribution, which can significantly impact health risks. For example, two women of the same height and weight could have very different body compositions—one with more muscle mass and the other with a higher proportion of visceral fat, which is linked to an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. BMI also doesn’t provide insights into metabolic health, which is crucial for overall well-being.

The SECA mBCA goes beyond BMI by offering a detailed breakdown of body composition. This advanced analyzer reports your detailed body composition, including the proportion of fat and fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, visceral body fat, and body water. You can see where you need to focus attention, whether it be gaining muscle or losing visceral fat, which harms our health.

• Fat Mass vs. Fat-Free Mass: Helps distinguish between fat and muscle, giving a more accurate picture of overall health.
• Skeletal Muscle Mass: This shows how much muscle you have, which is essential for strength, metabolism, and overall function.
• Visceral Fat Levels: Indicates the amount of fat stored around internal organs, a critical factor in assessing disease risk.
• Body Water Composition: Helps determine hydration levels and overall fluid balance.

Women’s bodies go through many changes over time, from pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and beyond. Tracking body composition can provide valuable insights into overall health and guide decisions about fitness, nutrition, and medical care. Whether you aim to build muscle, reduce visceral fat, or track changes over time, mBCA provides a reliable and detailed assessment. Body Composition Analysis (BCA) can also be a valuable tool for monitoring the effectiveness of your health and fitness plans, helping you validate your treatment decisions and track your progress over time.

Getting a body composition analysis is quick and easy. The analysis takes just a few minutes and provides a detailed printout of your results. You may meet with one of our providers after the analysis to review the results, or you can take a detailed, thorough printout home to review on your own.

Currently, this service is not covered by insurance. Women First offers SECA mBCA analyses for $50 per analysis or $100 for a package of three analyses, which allows you to track your progress over time. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any reimbursement for health and wellness assessments or if you can use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

At Women First, we are committed to leveraging advanced technology to enhance patient care. The SECA mBCA offers several advantages:

• High Accuracy: SECA measurements are highly accurate, with studies showing 97% accuracy compared to whole-body MRI for muscle mass. Thus, SECA is a more precise tool than other scales.
• Quick and Non-Invasive: The assessment is fast, user-friendly, and doesn’t require any invasive procedures.
• Personalized Insights: Delivers detailed information to guide individualized health and wellness plans.

Understanding your body composition can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and wellness. Whether you are working on fitness goals, managing a health condition, or simply want a clearer picture of your body’s unique makeup, mBCA offers valuable insights. Schedule your body composition analysis today.