The Most Important Information on an InBody Scan…
…(And What Actually Matters for Your Results)
If you’ve ever looked at your InBody scan results and felt overwhelmed—you’re not alone.
There are a lot of numbers.
A lot of graphs.
A lot of “metrics.”
But here’s the truth:
Most of it is noise. A few key pieces are signal.
If your goal is fat loss, strength, longevity, or simply feeling better in your body, only a handful of InBody metrics actually matter.
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition, we use InBody scans as a decision-making tool, not a report card.
Let’s break down what matters most.
What Is an InBody Scan?
An InBody scan is a body composition analysis that measures:
Skeletal muscle mass
Body fat mass
Body fat percentage
Water levels
Segmental muscle distribution
Unlike a traditional scale, it shows what your weight is made of—not just the number.
1. Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) — The #1 Metric
This is the most important number on your scan.
Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) tells you how much functional muscle you have.
Why it matters:
Drives metabolism
Supports joints and reduces injury risk
Improves insulin sensitivity
Strongly tied to longevity and independence
Simple rule:
More (quality) muscle = better health and long-term outcomes
What to look for:
Are you maintaining or increasing muscle?
If you’re losing weight, are you preserving muscle?
Reality check:
If your weight is going down and your muscle is going down…
you’re not improving your body—you’re just shrinking it.
2. Body Fat Mass (BFM) — More Important Than Percentage
Most people focus on body fat percentage.
But the more useful number?
Total Body Fat Mass (in pounds)
Why it matters:
Shows how much actual fat you’re carrying
More actionable than percentages
Less influenced by hydration or muscle changes
What to look for:
Is body fat mass trending down over time?
Are changes sustainable—not extreme?
3. Body Fat Percentage (PBF) — Context, Not the Goal
Body fat % gets all the attention—but it needs context.
Why it matters:
Shows ratio of fat to total body weight
Helps categorize general health ranges
The problem:
It can change without real progress
Lose muscle → body fat % can go up
Gain muscle → body fat % may go down
Takeaway:
Use it as a supporting metric, not your primary target.
4. Weight — The Least Important “Big” Number
Yes, it’s on the sheet.
No, it’s not the priority.
Weight is simply the sum of:
Muscle
Fat
Water
Everything else
It tells you nothing about:
Strength
Health
Longevity
Body composition
Better question than “Did I lose weight?”
“What did I lose?”
5. Visceral Fat Level — A Key Health Indicator
Visceral fat is stored around your organs.
Why it matters:
Higher levels are linked to:
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic dysfunction
What to look for:
Keep levels in a healthy range (typically under 10 on InBody scale)
Focus on steady reduction over time
6. Segmental Lean Analysis — Where Your Muscle Lives
This section shows how muscle is distributed across your body:
Arms
Legs
Trunk
Why it matters:
Identifies imbalances
Guides training focus
Helps prevent injury
Example:
Underdeveloped legs → prioritize squats, hinges, lunges
One side weaker → address asymmetry
What Actually Matters Most (Simplified)
If you want to simplify your entire InBody scan, focus on:
Skeletal Muscle Mass → increasing or stable
Body Fat Mass → decreasing (if fat loss is the goal)
Consistent trends over time
That’s it.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
They treat the InBody scan like a report card, instead of a feedback tool.
One scan means very little
Trends over time tell the story
Also remember:
Hydration impacts results
Time of day matters
Food (and alcohol!) intake matters
Consistency in testing conditions > perfection in numbers
Who Should Be Using InBody Scans?
InBody scans are especially valuable for:
Adults 40–70 focused on longevity and strength
Busy professionals who want efficient, data-driven training
Anyone investing in personal training and wanting measurable progress
Final Thought: What Your InBody Scan Should Really Tell You
At Functional Elements, we view an InBody scan like this:
It’s not about chasing numbers—it’s about building a better body.
And the best way to do that?
Strength train consistently
Eat adequate protein
Create a sustainable calorie deficit (if fat loss is the goal)
Stay consistent long enough for trends to emerge
Because in the end…
The goal isn’t just to weigh less.
It’s to be stronger, healthier, and more capable for life.
FAQ
What is the most important number on an InBody scan?
Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) is the most important metric because it drives metabolism, strength, and long-term health outcomes.
Is body fat percentage accurate on an InBody scan?
It can be useful, but it should not be the primary focus. Body fat mass (in pounds) and trends over time are more reliable indicators.
How often should you do an InBody scan?
Every 4–6 weeks is ideal, using consistent conditions (same time of day, hydration, etc.).
Are InBody scans worth it for people over 40?
Yes. They provide valuable insight into muscle loss, fat gain, and overall body composition—key factors in aging well.
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Ready to Improve Your Body Composition?
If you’re in the Creve Coeur or greater St. Louis area and want a structured, data-driven approach to training:
We’re here to help.
And remember ...
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT!
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition Center
Partner and Director of Training
(c) 314.401.5047
If you’re searching for evidence-based nutrition coaching and personal training in or around St. Louis, Missouri, these same principles form the foundation of the work we do every day at Functional Elements—helping adults build strength, lose weight sustainably, and improve long-term health. Check out our 14-day 360° to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to offer over a period of just 14 days.
