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Body composition scans provide a deeper understanding of health than a traditional scale alone. Joshua Hughes, PA, at Peakform Wellness PLLC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, uses advanced body composition testing using clinical-grade technologies such as the SECA mBCA Ultra Body Composition Analyzer and the Styku 3D Body Scanner. To see how these innovations can help improve your health, call the office or request an appointment online today.
A SECA mBCA Ultra body scan is a medical-grade body composition assessment that uses advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to evaluate how the body is composed of fat, muscle, and water. The system uses an 8-point measurement method with hand and foot sensors, enabling it to analyze individual body segments, such as the arms, legs, and torso.
During the scan, the patient stands on a platform and holds the hand electrodes while a safe, low electrical current travels through the body. Because fat, muscle, and water conduct electricity differently, the device can calculate detailed metrics including skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and total body water.
The entire scan typically takes about 24 seconds to complete and produces a comprehensive report that helps clinicians evaluate body composition and monitor health trends over time.
What makes the SECA mBCA Ultra particularly valuable in a medical setting is its validated accuracy. The system has been compared against methods such as whole-body MRI and advanced multi-component models used in research, helping ensure reliable measurements for clinical decision-making.
Healthcare providers often use SECA scans to track progress in weight loss programs, evaluate muscle changes in fitness plans, or monitor body composition changes related to chronic health conditions.
A Styku 3-D body scan is a non-invasive body analysis that uses infrared imaging to create a detailed 3-D model of the body. During the scan, the patient stands on a rotating platform while a camera tower captures hundreds of images from every angle.
The scan usually takes about 30–45 seconds to complete. Once finished, the system stitches together the images to produce a digital 3-D model that can be rotated and viewed from any perspective.
From this model, the technology extracts dozens of precise body measurements—such as waist, hips, thighs, and torso circumference—and uses those measurements to estimate body fat percentage and other health metrics.
One of the biggest advantages of the Styku scan is its ability to visually track progress over time. Patients can compare scans side-by-side and see changes in body shape, fat distribution, and posture that might not be obvious from weight alone.
Because the scan uses infrared imaging rather than radiation, it is considered safe, quick, and comfortable for repeated use.
Many patients find the visual 3-D reports especially motivating, as they provide a clear picture of how exercise, diet, and medical treatments are influencing their bodies.
Body composition scans can benefit a wide range of individuals who want a more complete understanding of their health and physical progress.
Patients participating in weight loss or medical weight management programs often use body scans to distinguish between fat loss and muscle gain. Traditional scales only measure your total weight, but body composition scans show how much of that weight comes from fat, lean muscle, and water.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts also benefit from this technology because it allows them to monitor muscle development and training progress with greater accuracy. Tracking lean body mass and fat distribution can help optimize workout programs and nutritional strategies.
Body composition analysis can also be valuable for individuals managing chronic health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, or cardiovascular risk factors. Changes in body fat distribution—especially abdominal fat—can provide useful information about overall health risk and treatment progress.
Finally, body scans can be helpful for individuals who want a baseline health assessment. Having a starting point allows both the patient and provider to track improvements over time and adjust wellness strategies as needed.
The ideal frequency for body composition scans depends on a person’s health goals and treatment plan. In many cases, the team at Peakform Wellness PLLC recommends repeating scans every 6 to 12 weeks when monitoring weight loss, fitness improvements, or medical treatment outcomes.
This timeframe allows for meaningful physiological changes—such as fat loss or muscle gain—to occur while still providing regular progress updates. Patients involved in structured weight loss programs may benefit from slightly more frequent scans, especially during the early stages of lifestyle changes.
Consistency is important when tracking body composition. Performing scans under similar conditions—such as the same time of day or similar hydration levels—can help ensure the most reliable comparisons over time.
Ultimately, body composition scans are most valuable when used as part of a comprehensive health plan that includes medical guidance, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle support. Regular monitoring allows patients and providers to adjust strategies and celebrate measurable progress toward better health.
To learn more about these state-of-the-art body scans and how they can help improve your health, call Peakform Wellness PLLC or request an appointment online today.