Does ShapeScale measure visceral fat?

What is visceral fat?

Also known as organ fat or intra-abdominal fat, visceral fat is found between internal organs and your torso. Comparatively, most of the human body fat is made of subcutaneous fat found beneath skin tissue and between muscles.

Can ShapeScale detect visceral fat and differentiate between subcutaneous fat?

The short answer is no.

Since ShapeScale does not use x-rays, ultrasound or magnetic fields to determine your body fat, we cannot accurately determine your visceral body fat as accurately as a DEXA/DXA,  Sonographic or CT scanning device may do.

However, we will offer a waist/hip ratio and abdominal fat measure, which is found to be a decent alternative to determine visceral fat.

ShapeScale would divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Then if the ratio is higher than 1.0 for men and 0.85 for women, the amount of fat would be considered excessive. That said, some of this fat may still be subcutaneous of course. Generally speaking, 10% of your abdominal fat is considered visceral and 90% subcutaneous. Both measures should give you a decent indication whether you are at risk.

Please note, ShapeScale is not a medical device, for accurate visceral fat measurements please consult your physician.