HBOT Global · Knowledge
Metabolic test vs. InBody: what do they measure?
An InBody assessment estimates body composition, including fat, muscle and water, using electrical impedance. A metabolic test uses breathing gases to measure resting energy expenditure and estimate fuel use during the measurement. They can complement each other, but neither is a medical diagnosis.
What does an InBody scan measure?
InBody is a brand of bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment, often called BIA. A small electrical current passes through the body and the device measures resistance and other electrical properties. Models translate these measurements into estimates of body water, fat-free mass and fat mass. This is not a direct count of muscle or fat cells.
Hydration, food, recent exercise and the model used can affect the result. Measurements taken under different conditions may therefore differ without a real change in fat or muscle tissue. If a BIA report displays a basal metabolic rate, that number is calculated; it has not been measured from your breathing gases.
What does a metabolic test measure?
A resting indirect calorimetry test measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. These gases are used to calculate resting energy expenditure, often called RMR or REE. RMR is not total daily expenditure: movement, exercise and digestion contribute as well. A resting measurement does not automatically provide a precise daily food prescription.
The ratio of carbon dioxide production to oxygen uptake is called RER. Under stable conditions, it can be used to estimate the contribution of fat and carbohydrate as fuel. It is a snapshot under particular conditions, rather than a permanent personal “fat-burning percentage”. Food, breathing patterns and recent activity influence its interpretation.
At HBOT Global, Metabolic Baseline uses PNOĒ and includes a 30-minute resting appointment, blood pressure and a short review. Breathing information and fitness scores can provide additional perspective, but they do not test for hormonal conditions or other diseases. If you have symptoms, speak with a doctor rather than using the report as a diagnosis.
When does each measurement make sense?
If you want to track estimates of fat and fat-free mass, body composition is the relevant question. If you want to know energy use under standardised resting conditions, indirect calorimetry is more direct. Choose the measurement based on the question you intend to act on, not the number of outputs displayed in its report.
At a weight plateau, a resting measurement may inform a discussion about food and activity, but it will not necessarily explain the cause. Low energy has many possible explanations that the test does not investigate. It does not promise weight loss. Persistent fatigue or other symptoms call for medical assessment rather than assumptions based on a fitness test.
| Question | InBody / BIA | Metabolic test |
|---|---|---|
| What is assessed? | Estimated body composition | Resting energy expenditure and gas exchange |
| How? | Electrical impedance and models | Mask and indirect calorimetry |
| Time | Depends on provider and device | Baseline appointment: 30 minutes |
| Price | Depends on the provider | Metabolic Baseline: 995 DKK |
| Key uncertainty | Hydration and model suitability | Preparation, mask seal and stable rest |
Is measurement more accurate than Mifflin–St Jeor?
Mifflin–St Jeor estimates resting expenditure using weight, height, age and sex. It requires no test equipment and can be a reasonable starting point. A systematic review found it more likely than several other common equations to fall within 10 percent of measured values, but substantial errors remained for individual people.
That does not mean a formula is always accurate within 10 percent, or that a mask test is error-free. Calibration, leaks, rest and the stability of the measurement affect the result. A useful report distinguishes measured resting expenditure from predicted estimates and recommendations that also depend on daily activity and your individual circumstances.
How do I prepare at HBOT Global?
The centre’s instructions are no food for four hours before the test, no caffeine and no hard training the previous day. Follow the specific information provided before your appointment. Preparation rules vary between laboratories and methods; four hours is this centre’s instruction, not a guarantee of a perfect or universally standardised measurement.
Tell the team beforehand if you cannot follow the instructions, have a medical condition or take potentially relevant medication. Do not stop prescribed medication based on this article. For repeat testing, similar timing, preparation and equipment make results easier to interpret, rather than treating every difference as a definite change in metabolism.
What does the test cost, and what happens next?
Metabolic Baseline costs 995 DKK. Results are added to your profile within a few days and include a short review. If you want resting and active measurements, read about Longevity Assessment on the tests page. A reservation is initially a request, not a booked appointment; contact and a payment link follow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both measurements?
The methods can complement each other, but HBOT Global’s listed tests describe PNOĒ, not an InBody scan. Contact the centre about options; do not assume both are included.
How often should I measure resting metabolism?
Retesting is most useful when it informs a specific decision, such as after a sustained change in training or body weight. There is no necessary interval for everyone.
Can it tell me if I have a slow metabolism?
It can measure resting expenditure and compare it with an estimate, but it cannot diagnose thyroid or hormonal conditions. Speak with a doctor about symptoms.
Is it a medical examination?
No. PNOĒ results describe fitness and measurement conditions; they are not a diagnosis or a replacement for clinical assessment.
What do I receive afterwards?
Metabolic Baseline provides results in your profile within a few days and a short review. Outputs include resting expenditure and estimated fuel use during the test.