Bioelectrical
Impedance Analysis or
Bioimpedance Analysis
(BIA) is a method of
assessing your “body
composition”— the measurement
of body fat in relation
to lean body mass. It
is an integral part
of a health and nutrition
assessment.
Why Is Body Composition
Important to My Health?
Research has shown
that body composition
is directly related
to health. A normal
balance of body fat
is associated with good
health and longevity.
Excess fat in relation
to lean body mass, known
as altered body composition,
can greatly increase
your risks to cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, and
more. BIA fosters early
detection of an improper
balance in your body
composition, which allows
for earlier intervention
and prevention.
BIA provides a measurement
of fluid and body mass
that can be a critical
assessment tool for
your current state of
health. BIA also measures
your progress as you
improve your health.
Improving your BIA measurement,
or maintaining a healthy
BIA measurement, can
help keep your body
functioning properly
for healthy aging. Your
BIA results can help
guide us in creating
a personalized dietary
plan, including nutritional
supplements when appropriate,
and exercise to help
you maintain optimal
health and wellbeing
for a lifetime.
How Does a BIA Work?
BIA is much more sophisticated
than your bathroom scale,
but just as simple—
and almost as quick.
BIA is performed in
our office with the
help of a sophisticated,
computerized analysis.
This analyzer “calculates”
and estimates your tissue
and fluid compartments—
using an imperceptible
electrical current passed
through pads placed
on your hand and foot
as you lie comfortably
clothed on an exam table.
In just minutes, we’ll
have detailed measurements
to help create an effective,
personalized program
for you.
Follow-up Tests
We can conduct a series
of follow-up BIA tests
to monitor your health
and measure your progress.
Guidelines for Assessment
For the most accurate
results, the following
guidelines should be
followed:
1. Do not eat for
4 hours prior to testing.
2. Do not exercise
for 12 hours prior
to testing.
3. Do not consume
alcohol for 24 hours
prior to testing.
4. Drink at least
1 quart of water one
hour before your test.
5. Do not drink caffeine
the day of your test.
6. Do not wear pantyhose.
7. Do not put lotion
on your hands and
feet.
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| copyright 2010 restorative
& preventative medicine
of Florida | 
