Microlife MedGem Indirect Calorimeter Metabolism Analysis
The most basic principle of weight management is that total body weight and body composition (fat weight versus lean fat free weight) is the result of the difference between energy (calories) consumed versus energy (calories) utilized. Metabolism is the number of calories your body burns per day. Resting metabolism is the amount of energy utilized to exist- to breathe, maintain body temperature, for the heart to pump, etc. Knowing this calorie expenditure is the key to successful weight management. In other words, everyone has a calorie “budget” to consume based on the total calorie output. This is true whether the goal is to maintain weight, lose weight, or gain weight.
What is the Microlife MedGem Indirect Calorimeter?
The MedGem is an FDA approved, hand held indirect calorimeter. Your body combines food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) with oxygen to produce energy. The MedGem measures the amount of oxygen the body consumes (VO2) and determines resting metabolic rate (RMR) in calories/day. It takes all the “guess work” out of determining what calorie (energy) “budget” would be best followed to achieve weight management goals. Without this information, nutritionists estimate energy expenditure using physical characteristics- age, height, and weight. These estimates can be unreliable resulting in initial inaccurate calorie budget recommendations and failed attempts at weight loss as people “experiment” with different calorie amounts.
The test is conducted in the morning as accurate results require the individual to be fasting without prior activity and exercise that day. The person rests on an exam table, the nose is closed shut, and then breathing is done through a mouthpiece inserted in the device. Within ten minutes the person’s RMR is determined. This information allows the nutritionist to accurately calculate total daily calories expended with the individual’s activities of daily living and exercise routine included.
Who would benefit from having the MedGem test?
Anyone wanting to know what their “calorie budget” should be to achieve desired weight loss, weight gain, or weight maintenance would benefit from this test- especially those whose attempts at meeting their weight goals are not working!
How accurate are the results of the MedGem?
The MedGem device has been tested in numerous mechanical trials and human studies employing methodologies typically used in research settings. There are no statistical or clinically relevant differences between oxygen uptake or RMR measured with MedGem and the reference systems.
The MedGem indirect calorimeter is a clinically-validated and FDA 510K-cleared, class II, medical device for measurement of patient resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Instead of estimating RMR with the Harris-Benedict or Katch-McArdle formula, the MedGem scientifically measures a clients Metabolic Fingerprint, that is unique to them.
Offer your clients the best possible results by incorporating the MedGem tools and solutions into your programs.
For more information, click on MedGem indirect calorimeter.
Contact me at 1-800-743-3328 to discuss MedGem RMR System Kit pricing options.
Harvey Harris