BOD POD Testing

The Bod Pod employs a patented technology called Air Displacement Plethysmography to measure how surrounding air responds to fat and non-fat tissue. The test takes approximately 5 minutes. All results are read and interpreted by our clinically trained staff.

Because the Bod Pod is highly accurate, it can detect even small changes in body fat and lean mass (i.e. muscle, bones and organs) Body composition is one the best indicators of over all health. The feedback you receive from your Bod Pod test can be used to:

measure the success of your nutrition and exercise program monitor for obesity, a risk for major diseases like stroke and diabetes
-help you lose or gain body fat safely
-fine tune your athletic performance and more

A full BOD POD test requires only about 5 minutes:

  • Basic subject information is entered into the specially configured computer system
  • The BOD POD is calibrated
  • The subject’s mass is measured using the integrated digital scale (accuracy is assured by scale calibrations at regular intervals utilizing provided calibration weights)
  • The subject’s body volume is measured while sitting inside the BOD POD (2 minutes)
  • Thoracic Gas Volume (TGV) is measured or predicted
  • Test results are displayed and printed

Click Here for the FAQ on the BOD POD

 

How the BOD POD Measures Up

 

Research studies at major universities have established the outstanding accuracy, safety and speed of the Bod Pod. Before the Bod Pod, the most accepted method was underwater weighing (the “dunk tank”). Bod Pod and underwater weighing usually agree within 1% body fat for adults and children. Other methods, such as skinfold calipers, bioelectric impedance, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, have been shown to be much less accurate. Bod Pod accuracy is also increased because of its easy test process.

There are numerous difficulties and inaccuracies associated with properly determining obesity or general health based on a bathroom scale or BMI. Because of this, The BOD POD has quickly become the only accurate, safe, and fast method for assessing body composition.

In addition to accuracy, safety, and fast test time, the BOD POD also provides flexibility in testing special populations – something other techniques are unable to offer.