If you’ve completed bioimpedance testing at Castro Integrative Medicine, this guide is here to help you interpret your results. From muscle mass and hydration to inflammation markers and visceral fat, every data point offers insight into your overall health, and how to move forward.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Ratio of weight to height
- Not part of the bioelectrical impedance scan itself, but used to compare your results to population norms
- Elevated BMI can indicate excess fat, but may also be high in muscular individuals
- Bioimpedance helps distinguish between fat and muscle for a more accurate picture
Fat Mass Index
- Measures the total amount of your body weight that is fat
Fat-Free Mass
- Total weight of all non-fat tissues in your body
- Includes muscle, bones, organs, connective tissues, and water
Fat Mass Percentage
- Indicates the percentage of your total weight made up of fat
Skeletal Muscle Mass
- Measures the amount of muscle in your arms, legs, and torso
- Compared to individuals of similar gender, age, and BMI
Skeletal Muscle Mass by MRI (calculated)
- Reflects the muscle volume responsible for moving the body
- Offers a comprehensive view of total muscle mass
Skeletal Muscle Mass Over Age
- Tracks muscle mass trends by age decade
- Adjusted for age and gender norms
Phase Angle
- One of the most important indicators of health
- Reflects the vitality and function of cell membranes
- A low phase angle suggests inflammation, aging, or poor tissue quality
- Phase angle tends to decline with age and is considered a marker of aging
- “Voltage is life” — healthy membranes support optimal electrical potential
Water Ratio (ECW/TBW)
- Compares extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW)
- High ratios may indicate fluid imbalance or inflammation
Weight
- Your total body weight in pounds
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
- Fat stored internally around organs like the liver
- Highly inflammatory and associated with increased risk of chronic conditions such as fatty liver and Type 2 diabetes
- Often the main reason people struggle to lose weight
- Can be reduced by lowering insulin levels and eliminating processed foods and sugars
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI)
- Measures muscle, water, and connective tissue in the arms and legs
- A more accurate assessment of lean body mass than BMI alone
Waist Circumference
- Used in conjunction with other metrics to calculate VAT
Body Composition Chart
- Plots fat mass against skeletal muscle mass
- Identifies body composition types:
- Slender and lean
- Athletic and muscular
- Obese but active
- Obese with low muscle mass (sarcopenic obesity)
- Average population range shown in center for comparison
Segmental Skeletal Muscle Mass
- Displays muscle mass distribution across arms, legs, and torso
- Detects imbalances or deficits
- Useful for customizing fitness and rehab plans
Total Body Water (TBW)
- Makes up ~60% of total body weight
- Divided into:
- Intracellular Water (ICW) — true hydration
- Extracellular Water (ECW)
- Drinking water provides ECW; minerals help pull water into cells
- For optimal hydration, add minerals or high-quality salt to your water
Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA)
- Graphical view of hydration and cellular health
- Body Cell Axis (low → high phase angle)
- Hydration Axis (ECW/TBW balance)
TRU Body Score
- Visual score based on muscle and fat mass
- 100 = average for your age, gender, and height
- Color-coded tiers:
- White/Bronze: Needs improvement
- Silver/Gold: Above average
- Platinum: Elite body composition
Energy Expenditure
- Resting Energy Expenditure (REE): Calories burned at rest
- Physical Activity Level (PAL): Calories burned from movement and daily activity
- Higher muscle mass = higher metabolic rate
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your results are just the beginning. Our team at Castro Integrative Medicine is here to help you interpret, understand, and take action based on your bioimpedance findings. Whether your goal is to reduce inflammation, build strength, support weight loss, or improve longevity, we’re ready to guide you.
Call us at 434-956-4100 to schedule a follow-up or email info@CIMCville.com about your next steps.