Client undergoing a Body Composition scan in the MRI machine at Prescan
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MRI scan

MRI Body Composition

Insight into your body composition, including fat and muscle mass

MRI Body Composition is an MRI examination that provides insight into the quantitative composition and distribution of fat and muscle tissue in your body. Using MRI, your body composition is mapped accurately, reliably, and reproducibly, with specific attention to characteristics associated with metabolic health risks.

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What is mapped with MRI Body Composition?

  • Subcutaneous (under skin) fat and visceral (organ fat in the abdominal cavity)
  • Fat accumulation in organs, such as liver fat
  • Muscle volume
  • Muscle quality, including intramuscular fat (fat storage in muscle tissue)
Two full-body MRI images with colour coding of visceral and subcutaneous fat and muscle mass, with a legend.
Portrait of a Prescan employee in a light blouse and green cardigan in an atmospheric indoor setting

Results of the examination

You will receive the results of the scan in a clear report. Afterward, you can schedule a personal online video consultation with our lifestyle physician. In this conversation, you will receive practical and suitable lifestyle advice, focused on insight, prevention, and supporting healthy choices. 

Specifications MRI Body composition scan

Scanned areas
Body Composition · Body composition

Provides insight into

An MRI Body Composition is intended to provide insight into the composition of the body. The examination focuses on mapping fat and muscle distribution and gaining insight into potential metabolic health risks.

The scan at Prescan provides a clear overview of various aspects of body composition. This includes, among others:

  • The distribution of visceral fat surrounding the internal organs
  • The amount of subcutaneous fat
  • Fat accumulation in and around organs, such as liver fat
  • The amount and distribution of muscle mass
  • The quality of muscle tissue, including fat infiltration

By combining these measurements, patterns can be identified that may be associated with metabolic health risks. For example, an increased amount of visceral fat or fat accumulation in organs may be associated with a higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and organ fat accumulation. The analysis is exclusively focused on mapping fat and muscle tissue (body composition). Other structures and organs are not assessed, and no medical or radiological review of the images is performed. As a result, any abnormalities outside fat and muscle tissue are not identified or interpreted.

The MRI images are analysed by AMRA® medical specialists. The results are summarised in a personalised report with clear visualisations and measurable values.

The findings are discussed in a personal consultation with a lifestyle physician. During this consultation, the results are explained and translated into practical and appropriate lifestyle advice, focused on insight, prevention and supporting healthy choices in nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle.

The results of the examination can be shared with your GP. For more information on preventative medical screening, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

KNMG Brochure

RIVM Health Tests | RIVM Website

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Highly accurate measurement without radiation: An MRI scan provides detailed and objective information about fat and muscle distribution without the use of ionising radiation, unlike, for example, X-rays or CT scans.
  • Insight into fat distribution and muscle quality: The scan distinguishes between visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and fat accumulation in and around organs, as well as the amount and quality of muscle mass.
  • More insight than traditional measurements: MRI – Body Composition provides deeper and more personalised insight than measurements such as BMI, body weight, or waist circumference.
  • Non-invasive and safe: The examination is safe and non-invasive, meaning no needles or invasive procedures are required.
  • No contrast agent required: This specific MRI scan does not use contrast agents, making the examination safer for people who may be allergic to contrast media or have kidney-related concerns.
Cons
  • The analysis is exclusively focused on mapping fat and muscle tissue (body composition). Other structures and organs are not assessed, and no medical or radiological review of the images is performed. As a result, any abnormalities outside fat and muscle tissue are not identified or interpreted.
  • People with metal implants such as pacemakers or surgical clips may not always be able to undergo an MRI due to the use of strong magnets.
  • The enclosed space of the MRI machine can be problematic for people with claustrophobia.

Alternatives

(Not offered by Prescan)

Possible alternatives include:

  • DEXA-scan
  • Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
  • CT scan
  • Anthropometric measurements

Risks

  • Claustrophobia: fear of the narrow space, potentially resolved with sedatives. Sedatives should be obtained via a GP or over the counter from a pharmacy.
  • A key risk during an MRI scan is the presence of metal in the body. MRI uses strong magnets, and metal objects or implants can be attracted to these magnets, which can be dangerous. This applies to:
    • Metal implants: Individuals with metal implants such as pacemakers, stents, or joint replacements must always inform their doctor. Some modern implants are MRI-safe, but this must be confirmed beforehand.
    • Metal in the body: Splinters or other small metal objects in the body may shift or heat up during the MRI, which could cause injury.
    • Metal objects: It is important to remove all metal objects such as jewellery, watches, and piercings before the scan, as they can be attracted by the magnetic field.
  • To avoid risks, a thorough screening is conducted before the MRI to check for the presence of metal.

Technical description

MRI Scanners

Prescan uses 1.5 and 3 Tesla scanners. The choice of scanner depends on the availability at the location. Unfortunately, clients cannot select a specific scanner. However, both types of scanners provide reliable and accurate images, and the choice of scanner does not affect the outcome or the quality of the examination.

MRI Protocol

The MRI protocol at Prescan has been developed in consultation with radiologists and MRI technicians to ensure optimal image quality, suited for preventative medical screening. While a standard protocol is followed, radiologists may decide to deviate from it based on the specific situation and apply a customised scan protocol.

Scanned areas
Consultation · Doctor’s consultation

Provides insight into

After your examination, you will discuss the results with a doctor during a personal consultation. This consultation takes place by phone or video call, so you can easily attend from home. The consultation is scheduled for a later date to allow sufficient time for the images and results to be carefully analysed.

During the consultation:

  • The doctor discusses your results. You will receive an explanation of the findings and what they mean for your health.
  • The doctor considers your personal situation. By asking questions about your health, medical history and current lifestyle, the doctor gains a clear understanding of your overall health.
  • You receive practical advice. The doctor translates the findings into personalised recommendations and, if necessary, discusses possible next steps.

The consultation focuses on gaining insight into your health and prevention. There is also plenty of opportunity to ask your own questions.

Technical description

The consultation is a discussion with a doctor and takes place after your examination has been completed. Depending on the type of examination, the consultation takes place by phone, video call (Microsoft Teams) or in person at the clinic. You will be informed in advance how your consultation will take place.

For a video consultation, we will send you a link to join the call. You do not need a Teams account.

Day Program at Prescan

What can you expect when you choose a preventive health examination at Prescan? We have outlined it for you

Intake
+- 10 minutes

The day begins with the intake consultation. In this conversation, the course of the examination day is explained. There's an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any specific details, ensuring everything is clear before the start of the examination.

Interested in an MRI Body Composition?

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