Body metrics: How to measure your body composition and lose fat with red light therapy

If you are interested in improving your health and fitness, you may want to know more about your body metrics. Body metrics are measurements that reflect your body composition, which is the proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in your body. Knowing your body metrics can help you assess your current health status, set realistic goals, and track your progress.

But how can you measure your body metrics? And what can you do to improve them? In this article, we will explain what body metrics are, how to measure them, and how to lose fat with red light therapy.

What are body metrics?

Body metrics are indicators of your body composition, which is influenced by factors such as your age, gender, genetics, diet, and physical activity. Some of the most commonly measured metrics are:

• Body weight. This is the total mass of your body, including fat, muscle, bone, and water. Body weight alone does not tell you much about your health or fitness, as it does not account for the distribution of different tissues in your body.
• Body fat percentage. This is the percentage of your body weight that is made up of fat. Body fat is essential for many functions, such as regulating body temperature, cushioning joints, and producing hormones. However, having too much or too little body fat can have negative effects on your health and appearance.
• Bone mass. This is the amount of bone tissue in your body. Bone mass is important for maintaining your skeletal structure, protecting your organs, and supporting your muscles. Bone mass tends to decrease with age, especially in women after menopause, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Muscle mass. This is the amount of muscle tissue in your body. Muscle mass is important for maintaining your strength, power, endurance, and metabolism. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age as well, especially if you are inactive or have a low protein intake, which can lead to sarcopenia and frailty.
• BMI. This is a measure of your weight relative to your height. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. BMI is a simple and widely used tool to screen for overweight and obesity, which are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
• BMR. This is the amount of energy (calories) that your body needs to maintain its basic functions at rest, such as breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature. BMR accounts for about 60–75% of your total daily energy expenditure. BMR is influenced by factors such as your age, gender, weight, height, muscle mass, and thyroid function.
• Body water percentage. This is the percentage of your body weight that is made up of water. Water is essential for many processes in your body, such as transporting nutrients and oxygen, regulating temperature, lubricating joints, and eliminating waste products. Body water percentage varies depending on factors such as your age, gender, diet, hydration status, and physical activity.

How to measure your body metrics?

There are different methods to measure your body metrics, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common methods are:

• Body scales. These are electronic scales that can measure not only your weight but also other metrics such as body fat percentage, bone mass, muscle mass, BMI, BMR, and body water percentage by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). BIA sends a small electric current through your body and measures the resistance. The more fat you have, the more resistance you will have 1. The scale then calculates your metrics based on your weight and other factors, such as your age, gender, and height 1. Body scales are easy to use and widely available, but they can be affected by factors such as hydration, food intake, skin temperature, and exercise 1.
• Body calipers. These are instruments that measure the thickness of a fold of skin and the underlying fat layer at different sites on your body, such as your abdomen, thigh, or arm 2. The caliper then uses a formula to estimate your body fat percentage based on the average of the measurements 2. Body calipers are relatively cheap and portable, but they require some skill and practice to use correctly and consistently 2.
• Body tape measure. This is a flexible tape that you wrap around different parts of your body, such as your waist, hip, or neck 3. The tape then uses a formula to estimate your body fat percentage based on the ratios of the measurements 3. Body tape measures are simple and inexpensive, but they can be inaccurate if you do not measure the same spots every time or if you pull the tape too tight or too loose 3.
• Handheld devices. These are devices that use BIA technology similar to body scales, but they only measure the upper part of your body. You hold the device with both hands and it sends a small electric current through your arms and chest. The device then calculates your body fat percentage based on the resistance and other factors 4. Handheld devices are convenient and easy to use, but they can be less accurate than other methods because they do not account for the lower part of your body 4.

While these methods can give you an idea of your body metrics, they are not perfect and they may not reflect the changes in your body composition over time. For example, if you lose weight by dieting alone, you may lose both fat and muscle mass, which can lower your metabolism and make it harder to maintain your weight loss. On the other hand, if you gain weight by exercising and building muscle mass, you may increase your metabolism and improve your health and appearance.

Therefore, it is important to combine these methods with other indicators of your fitness and wellness, such as your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and how you feel and look.

How to lose fat with red light therapy?

Another option that may help you improve your body metrics is red light therapy. Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses low-level laser light to target the fat cells under your skin. The theory is that the light penetrates the skin and causes the fat cells to release their contents into the bloodstream, where they can be burned as energy or eliminated by the body.

Does red light therapy work on cellulite? Red light therapy has been shown in some studies to reduce body fat and cellulite in targeted areas567. It may also enhance exercise performance by increasing blood circulation8. Some people claim that red light therapy has helped them lose stubborn fat that diet and exercise have failed to get rid of.

However, red light therapy is not a magic bullet for weight loss. It is not clear how long-lasting or clinically significant the results are9. It may also have some risks or side effects5, such as skin irritation or eye damage if not used properly. Moreover, red light therapy can be expensive and time-consuming5, as it usually requires multiple sessions at a clinic or spa.

If you want to try red light therapy at home, you may consider using a red light weight loss belt. This is a device that wraps around your waist or other parts of your body and emits red light from LED bulbs. The belt claims to be effective, convenient, and safe for reducing body fat and improving skin quality.

However, before you buy any red light therapy product, you should consult your doctor and do your research. Make sure the product is FDA-approved, has positive reviews, and comes with a warranty and a money-back guarantee. Also, follow the instructions carefully and do not overuse the product or expose your eyes to the light.

Remember, red light therapy is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best way to improve your body metrics and lose weight is to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and manage your stress. These habits will not only help you shed the pounds but also improve your overall health and well-being.

What do you think of body metrics and red light therapy? Have you tried any of them or are you interested in trying them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!