The BodyGem Analyzer helps create an individualized nutrition plan.

STEP 1: MEASURE RMR – Microlife Medical Home Solutions, Inc offers the WatchWT™ MedGem and BodyGem.

The program uses the MedGem, a FDA Cleared Class II Medical Device and is reimbursable whereas the BodyGem device is the fitness model.  Both devices measures oxygen consumption that then determines their RMR!

STEP 2:  GENERATE REPORT.  Once you know your patient’s RMR, you enter it into our Analyzer software that generates a 3- page graphical and educational report.

Educating your patient is KEY! The report takes into account the RMR, as well as the individual parameters, such as height, current weight, goal weight, occupation activity level, hours of work, hours of sleep, exercise, etc.

The report also determines whether their RMR is high/low/normal, calculates percent body fat, and breaks  down their calorie budget in terms of macro and micro nutrients.

BodyGem Analyzer report provides:

• Percent body fat based on Fat Free Mass, determined to be within 2% of DEXA
• Macro and micro nutrient breakdown. Not only does the report determine RMR, but it will provide your clients down to age 8, their macro and micro nutrient requirements.  Validated down to age 7
• Generates 3-page educational report in addition to a one page Clinician Report that can be uploaded to an EMR program.

BodyGem Analyzer software individualizes caloric needs by including occupational activity and sleep schedule.  Further individualizes by adding exercise calories separately

The BodyGem allows you to create an individualized nutrition plan with the New Food Plate.

As you may already know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture swapped out the food pyramid for the plate icon.

The new standard is now a plate and is geared towards portion size.

This will help individuals consume fewer calories with an individualized nutrition plan.

When formulating a nutrition plan, it’s important that your patients or clients know how many calories they consume to stay within their daily budget!

How do you determine their range to begin with?

The MedGem™ and BodyGem™   indirect calorimeter measures resting metabolic rate (RMR) – the amount of calories your body burns at rest during a 24 hour period.  RMR is a critical component in creating an effective nutrition plan to help control their weight.

Here are the BodyGem System Kit promotions for the month of July, 2012.

Save $200 on the BodyGem System Kit

Get free shipping on any order over $100, which saves you money on:

• BodyGem Mouthpiece Filters (save $15)
• BodyGem System Kit (save $30)
• BodyGem 40 Starter System Kit (save $20)

Contact Microlife BodyGem Representative David Wilcoxson @ 303-808-2291
Leave voicemail 866-285-8296
Or send an Email

After clients get their RMR measured with a BodyGem or MedGem indirect calorimeter, they receive a Daily Calorie Budget, which is based on their RMR, their activity levels and their weight loss goals.

Then to have success, they need to hit their Daily Calorie Budget on a consistent basis, to create an imbalance between Calories In and Calories Out, to lose weight effectively.

Balance Log was a software program that helped clients track their caloric intake, water intake and exercise.

BalanceLog was limited in that it was only for PC’s and not Apple computers.  And when Windows Vista was released and cause incompatibility issues, the best path was to create a new tracking system that would function online.

That new system has just been released and it’s called MiHealthLog.

It has an even larger database of foods and more features to make tracking caloric intake and exercise even easier, and since it’s online, there’s no compatibility issues.

Click here to find out more about MiHealthLog

The BodyGem and MedGem are both indirect calorimeters, that determine RMR – Resting Metabolic Rate, to help clients optimize their weight loss results.

Instead of estimating RMR, the BodyGem and MedGem scientifically measure a clients Metabolic Fingerprint, that is unique to them.

The BodyGem is designed for Personal Trainers, fitness facilities and Dietitians who don’t make insurance claims for their services.

The BodyGem displays RMR readings and works with the BodyGem Analyzer companion software.

The BodyGem System is a lower priced option, because it has no associated FDA-approval costs, so it helps you increase your profitability.

I specialize in helping Personal Trainers, fitness facilities and Dietitians, get a BodyGem to help optimize client weight management results and to increase profits.

The MedGem can only be sold to licensed clinicians because it is a  FDA-approval medical device.

The MedGem displays RMR and Resting Vo2 readings (for patient diagnosis, not to confused with Max VO2 testing)

Bariatric Doctors, Dietitians and other licensed clinicians may be able to make insurance claims using designated CPT codes.

Contact me for more details on the MedGem.

BodyGem Nutrition 101 Basics

Food is the fuel our body uses to enable us to carry out our daily activities. In simple terms, food is energy. There are over 45 nutrients that our body needs every day.

Some nutrients have energy (calories) and others do not, but both are important to our body. A basic understanding of nutrition can help you achieve your personal health, weight and lifestyle goals.

The objective of a proper diet is to meet the body’s energy and nutrient requirements, while achieving and maintaining a desirable body composition.

These daily requirements for calories and nutrients depend on a person’s age, sex, weight, health status, Metabolic Fingerprint and physical activity.

Macronutrients:

Nutrients that have calories are called macronutrients. These include:

Carbohydrate – Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and include starches, sugars and fiber.

Fiber – Dietary fiber should be consumed daily to improve movement in the gastrointestinal tract, keep blood sugar levels moderate after eating and to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber is found only in plant foods.

Protein – Proteins are made of amino acids. Proteins are necessary for growth, maintenance and tissue repair. Good sources of protein include meats, legumes and dairy products.

Fat – Fats supply energy, essential fatty acids, and are needed to help absorb vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

Saturated Fats: Tend to raise cholesterol. Found in high fat dairy products, higher fat meats, skin and fat of poultry, lard, palm and coconut oil.

Unsaturated Fats: Replacing foods high in saturated fats with foods high in unsaturated fats can help reduce cholesterol. There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated fats are found in canola oil, olive oil, peanuts and avocados; polyunsaturated fats are found in all other vegetable oils, nuts and high fat fish.

Trans Fatty Acids: Tend to raise blood cholesterol. The best way to identify these is to look for “partially hydrogenated” oils in the ingredient list of the nutrition facts label. Found in many commercial baked products (crackers, cookies), commercially fried foods (chips), and some margarines.

Cholesterol: Foods high in cholesterol tend to raise blood cholesterol; however, saturated fat may play a more important role in raising blood cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol comes from animal sources such as egg yolks, meat, poultry, fish, and high fat dairy products. It is important to monitor your cholesterol since it is directly associated with heart disease.

Micronutrients & Water:

Foods that do not contain calories include micronutrients and water. These include:

Vitamins – Do not provide energy because they do not contain calories, but they do help the body convert the food you eat into energy. This in turn is necessary for metabolism. Vitamins are abundant in vegetables and fruit. They can also be found in legumes, dairy products, eggs and meat.

Minerals – Play an important role in metabolism and are involved in the make up of the body’s structure.  They do not provide energy directly but are necessary for the body to function properly.

Calcium, iron and zinc are examples of minerals.

Water – Dissolves substances, lubricates our joints, and provides a way to transport nutrients and waste.

Microlife, Metabolic Fingerprint, MedGem and BodyGem are trademarks of Microlife, Inc.

To get more information:

• Review the BodyGem System information
• Call me directly at 303-808-2291
• Or leave a voicemail at 1-866-285-8296 and I’ll call you back

I wish you the best of health!

David Wilcoxson

BodyGem® Frequently Asked Questions

When should an RMR measurement be taken?

To obtain an accurate resting metabolic rate (RMR), the measurement should be done at least 4 hours after eating or exercise.

How often should I measure my metabolism?

If you are losing weight or participating in a fitness program that includes strength training, we suggest measuring your metabolism approximately every four weeks.

Monitoring your RMR will allow you to adjust your daily calorie targets if your metabolism changes. Repeat measurements should be performed at the same time of day under similar conditions.

Can I reuse the mouthpiece?

The mouthpiece are single-use items. They contain filter material to prevent cross contamination and should be disposed of after each measurement. Always use a new breathing attachment when performing a measurement.

How do I order new mouthpieces/nose clips?

You can order new mouthpieces and nose clips online by clicking on BodyGem Mouthpiece or through Microlife Area Representative David Wilcoxson at 303-808-2291

What does the reading on the BodyGem unit mean?

The number that appears on the LCD display of the Body Gem indirect calorimeter is your resting metabolic rate (RMR). RMR is the number of calories your body burns each day at rest and with little activity.  It can also be referred to as basal metabolic rate (BMR)

For many people, RMR can represent up to 75 percent of total metabolism. Lifestyle, activity and exercise make up the rest of total daily calories expended.

Your RMR measurement helps determine how many calories you should eat to maintain your weight management and fitness goals.

How accurate is the BodyGem measurement?

The BodyGem unit has been validated against the Douglas Bag method, the gold standard in metabolic Measurements and compared to other metabolic carts.

The BodyGem unit is as accurate and reliable as any indirect calorimeter system on the market. In several studies the BodyGem has repeatedly demonstrated an accuracy of 1-3% when compared to other standard reference systems.

The BodyGem’s portability makes measuring metabolism possible for most individuals and professionals.

What is metabolism/RMR and how does it relate to me?

Metabolism is the body’s process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy needed for the body to function.

Metabolism is measured in calories and provides the total number of calories a person burns each day with little or no activity. Additional calorie needs come from lifestyle factors (how active you are in your daily life) and purposeful exercise.

Metabolism is different for each person and can change over time. Your metabolism is determined by your body composition (amount of muscle and fat), body weight, age, and gender.

The best way to learn your RMR is to measure it using the BodyGem device. Monitoring your metabolism over time will help you balance the calories you burn with the calories you eat. Weight loss or a change in body composition can lower your RMR.

I have lost weight. Why is my metabolism lower?

Metabolism is influenced by total body mass (your body weight). When you lose weight, your total body mass is lower and it takes less energy for your body to maintain vital functions.

By performing strength training exercise while you decrease calories, you may be able to maintain a higher metabolism. Keep in mind that a decrease in metabolism during weight loss is normal.

I exercise a lot and my metabolism has not increased. Why?

Aerobic exercise burns calories during the activity, but doesn’t have a significant effect on increasing your metabolism during the rest of the day.

Your metabolism temporarily increases after aerobic exercise while the body cools down, but this calorie burn is relatively low unless the exercise intensity and duration have been high. The calories you burned during aerobic exercise will help you balance the calories you eat.

Strength training burns fewer calories during the exercise, but can increase muscle, which will lead to an increase in metabolism.

Muscle is more metabolically active than fat and burns more calories to maintain at rest. Body fat burns very few calories.

You will have to do strength training several times a week to increase lean body mass and see the results in your metabolism. Try a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training to get the benefits of both!

I sometimes feel sleepy when I do my RMR measurement. Is it okay to sleep?

Metabolism is lower when you are asleep than when you are awake at rest. If you drift off to sleep during a BodyGem measurement, your measurement will be low and not truly representative of the number of calories you burn in a day at rest.

During a BodyGem measurement, relax and breathe normally, but do not fall asleep.

I did two BodyGem measurements and I got different results. What should I do?

Make sure you did both measurements under similar conditions and at the same time of day. Relax and breathe normally during the measurement.

Measuring your RMR is similar to measuring your blood pressure. Because your body is constantly changing, RMR may vary slightly from measurement to measurement.

Will smoking affect the RMR measurement?

Nicotine is a stimulant and will increase RMR. Refrain from smoking one hour before a measurement.

Any stimulant, including caffeine, some over-the-counter drugs and some nutritional supplements will temporarily elevate your metabolism.

Do I need to buy any software to use the BodyGem device?

No. All you need is the actual BodyGem unit, power supply, and the single-use mask or single-use mouthpiece and nose clip.

BodyGem Analyzer software comes with each BodyGem purchase to allow for developing accurate weight management plans for your clients..

I got an error message when trying to start the measurement/warm up the device.

To begin a BodyGem measurement, make sure the unit is plugged in and push the amber button on the top of the BodyGem device.

It is very important to leave the BodyGem device sitting upright on a flat surface, away from any forced air vents or fans, when you push the button and throughout the self-calibration period (while the amber light is flashing).

Do not pick up the BodyGem device until the unit beeps and the light begins flashing green.

I keep getting an air leak error when I take a measurement. How do I prevent this?

Make sure your mouthpiece is firmly attached to the BodyGem unit. The breathing attachment should fit snugly into the unit and be flush with the unit. The nose clip should completely close your nostrils and you should be breathing only through your mouth.

Relax and breathe normally.

When do I know the BodyGem device is calibrated?

To begin a measurement, press the amber button on top of the BodyGem device. The unit will calibrate, beep and the lighted button will begin flashing green.

You are now ready to begin the measurement. The measurement needs to begin within one minute after calibration is complete.

If the measurement is not started within this time, the lighted button will turn amber and you will have to push the button again.

How do I know the BodyGem device calibrated correctly?

The BodyGem device is designed to self-calibrate. If calibration is not completed, error message Er05 will appear in the LCD and the lighted button on top of the BodyGem device will turn red.

This message indicates the BodyGem device has detected a flow of air during the calibration and was unable to complete the calibration process.

If you continue to experience Er05 messages, contact Microlife at 1-800-968-1378.

What do I do if the BodyGem device does not calibrate correctly?

Remove the power cord from the side of the BodyGem unit and reinsert it.

Repeat the steps in the BodyGem User Manual, making sure there are no air vents nearby. If the BodyGem device continues to display an error message, try moving to another location to perform the measurement.

If for some reason you receive an Error 23 measurement, be sure the flowtube is completely flush with the BodyGem casing.

If you continue to receive an Error 23 contact Microlife at 1-800-968-1378

What if I cough or lose the seal around the mask or mouthpiece?

The lighted button on top of the BodyGem device will turn red, indicating you have an error. The error message Er04 will appear in the LCD, indicating the BodyGem device has detected an interruption during the measurement.

Remove the power cord from the side of the BodyGem unit, reinsert it, and then follow the steps to begin a new measurement.

How do I clean the BodyGem device?

If necessary, wipe outside surfaces of the BodyGem device with a soft, clean, dry cloth and soap and water.

Take care to avoid the round metallic sensors on the internal surfaces of the BodyGem device. Do not submerge the BodyGem device in water or allow water or any solution to penetrate the display windows, sockets, metallic sensors or openings on the product.

Do not attempt to clean and re-use the mouthpiece as these are single-use only items.

Can children use the BodyGem device?

If the mouthpiece fits comfortably on the child, it is possible to measure a child’s RMR. However, a physician or Registered Dietician should be consulted when making dietary recommendations for children.

For more information, click on BodyGem

During the month of December, we are giving away the new BodyGem Analyzer 4.0 or MedGem Analyzer 4.0 AND two 21-packs of mouthpieces, when you purchase four 21-packs of mouthpieces.

21-Packs of BodyGem mouthpieces and MedGem mouthpieces are normally $299 each.

BodyGem Analyzer 4.0 is normally $399.
MedGem Analyzer 4.0 is normally $499.

This adds up to a savings of $997 – $1,097

Call me to place your order today, to stock up for the upcoming January weight-loss rush.

David Wilcoxson
Microlife Area Representative
303-808-2291

BodyGem Technology Can Help You in the Battle of the Bulge

Ever wonder why your friend who is the same gender, age, height, and bone structure as you can “eat like a horse” and never gain a pound, and you gain 50 pounds just walking past the bakery?  It’s because people burn calories at different rates.

Metabolism, the rate at which we burn calories, plays a major role in weight loss and gain, and one of the keys to determining a specific weight-management strategy is knowing your own unique metabolism.

To put it simply, weight loss and gain is simple mathematics – If you take in more calories than you burn, you will gain weight, and if you burn more than you take in, you will lose weight.

Up to 60% of the U.S. population suffers from obesity, and it is one of the most frustrating and difficult conditions to conquer, leading to many life-threatening conditions like heart disease and others.

But now, technology has joined the weight loss battle with two new and exciting tools to help you know your personal metabolism and change your eating habits.

The BodyGem By Microlife

Whoever said “knowing is half the battle” was very correct.

We cannot decide how to approach our weight loss program without knowing how many calories our body burns each day at rest.

This rate, the metabolic rate, or RMR, often consists of up to 80% of the calories we burn daily! Because metabolism is unique to each person depending on age, activity level, diet, genetics, and current weight, it is important to determine your own metabolic characteristics in order to create a personalized program.

The Body Gem is operated by a simple breathing test. After this simple test, you will know exactly how your body uses the calories you put into it and you can then work with your competent health practitioner to devise a nutritional, exercise, and supplement program that will help you meet your individual weight loss goals.

BodyGem units are located around the U.S. at health clubs and nutrition centers, and a nominal fee ranging from $35 to $100 per reading is available at these places.

To get more information:

• Review the BodyGem System information
• Call me directly at 303-808-2291
• Or leave a voicemail at 1-866-285-8296 and I’ll call you back

I wish you the best of health!

David Wilcoxson
Microlife Area Representative

BodyGem by HealtheTech and BalanceLog by HealtheTech, were trademarks when HealtheTech, Inc. manufactured the BodyGem.  Now Microlife manufacturers and supports the BodyGem indirect calorimeter.

This article will compare the Microlife BodyGem with the Korr MetaCheck.

Both indirect calorimetry units measure RMR – Resting Metabolic Rate / BMR – Basal Metabolic Rate

Let’s start with validation.  Both indirect calorimeter devices have been validated against the gold standards of the metabolic rate testing, the Douglas Bag and the DeltraTrac Medical Cart, and have similar accuracy.

Dr. Robert Huizenga, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at UCLA and Medical Advisor to The Biggest Loser said “We chose to use the Microlife device based on its accuracy in comparison to other indirect calorimeters.”

Filtration

The Korr Bacteria Filter is in the device, so it doesn’t get changed with each client and it’s only replaced every 100 usages.

The BodyGem  medical-grade filters are in the disposable mouthpieces, so that each client breathes through a NEW filter.

Portability

The Korr MetaCheck is a box-type design and it sits on a desktop.

The BodyGem is a compact, hand-held design, and it comes with a carry case to allow you to perform RMR measurements anywhere.

Client Measuerement Report Printing

The Korr Metacheck is designed to be used with their printer and paper.  Their preprinted paper is $20 per 100 sheets.  With 2 sheets per test, that’s an extra $.40 per test.

BodyGem Analyzer software is loaded on your computer and can print the 3-page client measurement summary report from any printer.  No special paper is needed.

Client Diet Tracking

Korr doesn’t offer a tracking program to empower clients to monitor their Daily Calorie Intake, to hit their weight-loss goals.

Microlife clients can track their Daily Calorie Intake, macro and micronutrients, water intake and exercise, with the online MiHealthLog program.

BodyGem owners can monitor their clients MiHealthLog tracking to provide feedback and accountability with MiHealthCoach

Device Sensors

The Korr MetaCheck has a 1 year warranty and the sensors must be replaced every year at a cost of $225.

The BodyGem has 2 year warranty and NO maintenance.

Mouthpiece Pricing

Korr mouthpiece tubes are $7 each.  The bacteria  filter, which is changed every 100 uses, is $6.25.

BodyGem mouthpieces with integrated medical-grade filters are $9.50 each.

Device Pricing

The BodyGem System Kit is $700 less than the Korr MetaCheck System

And a 12-month payment plan is available

Device Marketing

I offer free customizable marketing fliers to help you make clients aware of the need to get their RMR tested.

BodyGem owners can get listed on our nationwide database.  More and more people are learning  that they can get their RMR measured from The Biggest Loser TV show, so they can find you when they search for a local measurement provider.

To get more information:

• Review the BodyGem System information
• Call me directly at 303-808-2291
• Or leave a voicemail at 1-866-285-8296 and I’ll call you back

I wish you the best of health!

David Wilcoxson

Korr and MetaCheck are registered trademarks of Korr Medical Technologies, Inc.