How exactly does an InBody scale work, and why is it important for weight loss?
InBody utilizes Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). By sending a micro-current through the body, it measures resistance based on water content to estimate muscle mass and body fat. While standard scales only show total weight, InBody reveals body composition. Since metabolic efficiency differs greatly between a muscular body and a fatty one—even at the same weight—InBody is essential for establishing a healthy, sustainable weight loss direction.
Many people experience emotional swings based solely on the number on a scale, but it's important to look deeper. The core principle of InBody is that water (found in muscle) conducts electricity well, whereas fat does not. By measuring this difference, the device calculates your body composition. Please keep in mind that since it relies on water levels, results can fluctuate based on your hydration and daily physical condition.
From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus less on simply 'losing weight' and more on 'clearing stagnant flow.' For instance, an accumulation of Dam-eum (痰飮, phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste) or Eo-hyeol (瘀血, blood stasis) can slow down metabolism, naturally leading to a higher body fat percentage on an InBody scan.
Those with Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency/impaired digestive function) often struggle to absorb nutrients while accumulating waste, falling into a vicious cycle of losing muscle and gaining fat. If you fast indiscriminately in this state, you may lose weight, but InBody will likely reveal you are becoming 'skinny fat'—losing muscle instead of fat.
Therefore, I recommend using InBody to first identify your current metabolic state. Based on those results, we can tailor prescriptions to improve the circulation of Qi and Blood. Rather than obsessing over a single number, monitoring how your body composition evolves is a far more efficient approach to health.
Clinician review