New Bod Pod accurately measures body composition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Health and Wellness Center recently received a new machine that can accurately measure body composition.

The Bod Pod, which is free to use, can measure a person's body fat and lean muscle mass in approximately five minutes.

"Using the same concept as water displacement, the Bod Pod uses air to provide highly accurate, fast and safe results," said Capt. Tara McCall, 23rd Medical Group fitness program manager. "The machine is the gold standard for determining body composition because it provides you with more information than a scale."

In addition to body composition, the Bod Pod can also determine basal metabolic rate and how many calories an individual burns in a single day.

"It's a really good way to find a baseline so you know what steps to take in order to improve your body composition," said Captain McCall. "We recommend a follow-up test in six to eight weeks to see if your improvements have made a difference."

The test begins once the individual is seated comfortably inside the egg-shaped chamber. During two 50-second intervals, the pressure inside the chamber changes. Then, the individual's information is printed out.

"It is very quick and simple," said Staff Sgt. Eliezer Cardona, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager. "I've never seen anything like it and I was surprised to see my results.

"After the test, the HAWC provided me with information on what things I needed to do to improve," he added. "The whole process was very helpful and I'm glad we have something available that is innovative and free of charge."

Individuals who are interested in receiving a Bod Pod assessment must make an appointment by calling the HAWC at (229) 257-4292.

Individuals cannot exercise or eat two hours prior to taking the test. They must wear form-fitting clothing to include tasteful swimsuits, spandex, sports bras and biking shorts. The clothing must not have padding or wires. The HAWC will also provide a swim cap to wear.