The DHN Lab Results Overview
The DHN Lab Results Overview
BodPod Test
How the BodPod Works
The BodPod works by measuring changes in air pressure when you're inside the chamber compared to when it’s empty. From these pressure changes, we figure out how much space your body takes up, which is your total body volume. By knowing this, we can calculate your body density by dividing your weight (measured with a special scale attached to the BodPod) by your volume. Using body density, we can then figure out your body fat percentage and fat-free mass. Your results report shows your body volume, body density, total weight, lean mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage.
Example Results
FM shows the amount of body fat. % Fat shows the amount of fat on the body compared to total body weight.
The graph at the top of the figure shows where your % Fat falls compared to other individuals in the population.
% FFM and FFM include all other measures of body mass like bone, water, muscle.
If interested in changing body composition, such as increasing muscle mass (FFM) or reducing Fat Mass (FM), working with an exercise professional and/or Registered Dietitian could be beneficial.
Re-testing your BodPod after 3 months of change is recommended.
Quark RMR Test
How the RMRWorks
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body needs to do basic things like keeping your heart beating, maintaining body temperature, breathing, and brain activity. It’s the minimum amount of energy you need each day, even if you don’t move around at all. People of the same weight and height can still have different RMRs.
The Quark RMR system measures how much oxygen you take in and carbon dioxide you breathe out to find out how much energy your body uses. The result shows how many calories you would burn in a day at total rest.
Example Results
Measured RMR (i.e. from the Quark RMR test) is more accurate than a calorie equation formula (Pred = predicted)
Estimated calorie needs at rest (RMR) = calories/day (shown in the top line in the first circle on the figure)
THIS IS NOT A CALORIC RECOMMENDATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS
To fuel your body for any activity, you need more calories than this amount. The amount needed will depend on many factors including size, activity level, gender, etc. Some estimates can be calculated using these numbers: If physically active, you would multiply by an activity factor around 1.2-1.9.
- Sedentary = RMR x 1.2 (little or no exercise, desk job)
- Lightly active = RMR x 1.375 (light exercise 1-3 days/week)
- Moderately active = RMR x 1.55 (moderate exercise 6-7 days/week)
- Very active = RMR x 1.725 (vigorous exercise every day, or exercising 2x/day)
- Extra active = RMR x 1.9 (vigorous exercise 2 or more times/day, or training for marathon, or triathlon, etc.
Example (moderately active): 2260 x 1.55 = 3,503 calories/day
Respiratory Quotient (RQ=VCO2/VO2) (shown in the second line in the first circle on the figure)
The information from your respiratory quotient (RQ) can help you understand how your body is using different fuels (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) for energy. A value of 0.85 indicates you are using fats and carbs almost equally.
Using Fats=0.7; Protein=0.8; Carbs=1.0
Substrates: 51.7% of energy coming from fat; 48.3% of energy coming from carbs (shown in the second circle on the figure)
FAQs
- Underweight = less than 18.5kg/m2
- Healthy = 18.6 - 24.9 kg/m2
- Overweight = 25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2
- Obesity = 30.0 - 39.9. kg/m2
- Severe obesity = more than 40.0 kg/m2
BMI does not take into account your fat mass versus lean mass, gender, activity level or other factors.
FM includes just your body’s “fat mass” or weight of fat.
When trying to understand if you’re in a healthy range for your body composition, you should look at as many factors as you can for a starting point These ranges aren’t taking into consideration your activity levels or your health status.
“Everything else”; FFM includes body items such as muscle, cartilage, bones, organs, water.
There isn’t a set range for “healthy” FFM; using FM and BMI together to understand your body composition for health.
As the intensity of exercise increases, carbohydrates become the primary fuel and your RQ could increase higher that 0.85 (toward 0.9 to 1.0) If reducing caloric intake, you could be using more fat and RQ could lower to less than 0.85 If you’re working on fueling your body to improve workouts, you could use this value to target those substrates (i.e. if you’re starting an exercise program, you may want to consume more carbohydrate sources to help fuel your sessions).
Adults: 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, include muscle strengthening exercises 2-3 times to help improve or maintain FFM.
Consume a balanced diet that fits in YOUR life: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, lean meat and plant proteins.
Connect With Us
The DHN Lab
117 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-1672
TheDHNLab@uky.edu
Contact Our Team
- Tammy Stephenson, Department Chair and Professor
- Makenzie Barr-Porter, Associate Professor
- Jessica Houlihan, Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Abbigail Pace, Assistant Professor
Not sure who to contact? Email TheDHNLab@uky.edu.
Disclaimer
The Bod Pod and Quark RMR assessments offered by The DHN Lab at the University of Kentucky are intended for educational and informational purposes only. These services provide insight into physiological processes such as body composition and resting metabolic rate, helping individuals better understand their calorie needs and overall health profile. These assessments should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Individuals are strongly encouraged to consult with their physician or a qualified healthcare provider before making any significant changes to their diet, exercise routine or health practices.