Assessing Your Body Composition: The Bod Pod Test

What is the Bod Pod?
The Bod Pod is a sophisticated piece of equipment used to assess body composition. The machine itself is a chamber that looks like a very large egg. The chamber has a door on the front with a see-through window and a seat inside on which you'll be asked to sit during the test. Once you sit down, the door will be closed. When the test is started you will hear a series of clicks; this indicates the door has been sealed closed with magnets, but do not be alarmed. By pressing a release button and pushing on the door, you easily can get out at any time.

What is the Bod Pod test?
The testing consists of sitting in the Bod Pod for two or three 55-second tests. During the tests you will feel a slight flow of air around your body. An additional part of the testing time involves measuring your lung volume, a number we need to calculate your percent body fat. This will done by asking you to lightly blow air through a piece of plastic tubing attached to the machine.

What does the Bod Pod test assess?
The Bod Pod Body Composition System® measures the percent of your body made up of fat and lean tissue. This is first done by measuring how much air your body displaces within the chamber; which helps determine your body's density. Since fat is less dense than lean body mass (i.e. muscle and bone), the Bod Pod can very accurately calculate your body fat by measuring your body weight, body volume and lung volume. The Bod Pod is connected to a computer, which uses the measurements obtained during testing to compute your body composition.

How should I prepare for the Bod Pod Test?
Bod Pod testing requires little preparation. Most importantly, you should refrain from eating any food or consuming beverages that contain caffeine for three to four hours prior to your test. This is because food digestion causes your body to generate heat. The Bod Pod is so sensitive that body temperature differences can affect the accuracy of its measurement. You will be required to bring a nylon or lycra bathing suit to wear during the test, along with a bathing cap, which we will provide. In addition, we ask that you void your bladder prior to testing.

What if I can't do this test?
This test is one of the easiest and most accurate ways for us to assess your body composition. All you have to do is sit in the Bod Pod for a few minutes. What most people worry about is becoming claustrophobic in the Bod Pod. If you are concerned about claustrophobia, let a research professional know. He or she will make sure you have time to sit in the Bod Pod with the door open so you can get used to it before the chamber is sealed closed and testing begins. But rest assured, with any testing we do, if you are not comfortable with the test, let us know. You are always in control and are under no obligation to complete any test.