Did you know that almost 50% of Americans have attempted weight loss strategies? Shedding pounds is not an uncommon topic of conversation these days.

And – the United States isn’t the only country fighting against weight gain. Almost 32% of the population in Europe and Central Asia also reported that they were trying to lose weight.

It should be no surprise that middle-aged adults had the highest reports. As metabolism starts to slow down – the weight begins to tally up.

Digital health is working towards redefining how you view your health and well-being. By using health algorithms, this new technology can give you better insight into your overall wellness.

If you have an interest in learning more about digital health, then keep reading on for more information.

What Is Digital Technology

Some recent healthcare trends have been digital patient monitoring devices and telehealth. Popular brands like Apple and Fitbit are constantly redesigning their watches to keep up with the growing need for health monitoring.

It is no longer unusual for people to have the capability of monitoring their heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Telehealth also has its benefits. Physicians can now speak with their patients on a more regular basis no matter where they are located.

What stems behind all of this? Digital healthcare technology.

In a basic definition, digital technology includes electronic tools, systems, or devices that store information. However, they tend to do a bit more than just store information. Many digital technologies can interpret, process, or generate data based on data analytics and complex algorithms.

Your phone is a great example of digital technology. It can process information in the blink of an eye. It also stores your likes, dislikes, contacts, and more for easier use.

In health fields, digital technology has the capability of helping treat diseases, or in some cases, diagnose them. It can also give people a better idea of how they are doing from a general health standpoint. Apps, mobile devices, and other digital equipment are here to stay for the long term.

Health Algorithms

At its core, an algorithm is a basic set of instructions that a computer or machine needs for the completion of a task. Some programs have pre-set algorithms that only account for specific commands.

Health algorithms follow the exact same components. The only difference is that it is used for monitoring health and well-being.

For many people trying to lose weight, gym technology plays a huge role. Body composition systems are giving people a greater view of their health.

The specific algorithm in these high-tech machines can measure the following aspects of body composition:

  • Lean body mass
  • Visceral fat
  • Minerals
  • Total body fat percentage
  • Bio age

And there’s more – you can input your foods and daily vitamin supplements. In return, this gives users a good idea of if they are meeting their health goals and where they are falling short.

 

WHAT THE STUDIES SHOW

Body composition scanners may sound like a fad to some, but the research is proving otherwise. One study looked at 3D body scanners for anthropometrics. They also included body composition such as lean mass and fat comparisons.

The researchers found that 3D scanners were a valid, safe, and effective tool for anthropometrics and composition analysis. More consistent and comparable methods included the use of body composition scanners that made use of BIA Technology. The versatility of these machines allow trainers to use them for a wide range of clients. One of the largest areas that body scanners can have an impact on is obesity.

BODY COMPOSITION

You’ve heard this term being tossed around a lot so far. What exactly makes up your body composition?

In order to truly tell someone’s physical make-up, you would need a dissection. This isn’t a realistic approach until post-mortem and doesn’t do your average citizen much good.

The next best approach is through scans. You have already used some of these in your lifetime. In airports, scanners are present while you go through security. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) and X-Rays look at bones and tissues that you can’t see with the human eye.

However, your body composition is essentially the fatty and non-fatty tissue. It also includes how much of your body is water or bone. Examples of non-fatty tissue include lean muscle.

When all of these factors are considered, you have a greater idea of a person’s general health. Weight scales indicate how much someone weighs but fail in differentiating lean mass from fat.

Tape measurements or skin fold tests also have their limitations. You rely on other people, or yourself, for measurements. This can lead to user error.

Additionally, it only gives a measurement of subcutaneous fat. Many times the dangerous fat lies beneath the surface and closer to your organs (visceral fat).

Hydrostatic weighing has been another option that gives fairly accurate measurements for body composition. However, it is expensive and hard to come by.

Most often, you will need to go to a medical facility or research university. Also, you have to get underwater which some people don’t like.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Are you struggling with staying on top of your health goals? It is discouraging to step on the scale week after week and not see the results you are looking for.

Trainers can also provide you with so many tools. Digital health has developed body scanners that give you greater insight into your health. If you want a better understanding of healthy lean mass and body composition, this is the tool for you.

Contact us today for more information about acquiring a body composition scanner for your business and how you can help get your customers back to living their lives to the fullest.