MRI Body Composition

The examination is intended to provide early insight into metabolic health risks. These include risks related to metabolic function, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and fatty infiltration of organs. MRI Body Composition is focused on insight and prevention and does not provide a medical diagnosis.

Why MRI for Body Composition?

MRI is particularly well suited for the analysis of body composition, as different tissues such as fat, muscle, and water can be clearly distinguished. This enables a sensitive and specific analysis of fat and muscle compartments.

MRI Body Composition provides a quantitative and reproducible assessment of body composition and offers insight into both fat distribution and muscle mass and muscle quality. Because MRI does not use ionising radiation, the examination is suitable for use in a preventive setting and for repeated measurements over time.

Key features of MRI Body CompositionQuantitative assessment of fat distribution, including visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and fat accumulation in organs (such as liver fat)

Quantitative assessment of fat distribution, including visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and fat accumulation in organs (such as liver fat)
Insight into muscle volume and muscle quality, including intramuscular fat
No use of ionising radiation
High reproducibility, allowing reliable monitoring of changes in body composition over time

This combination makes MRI Body Composition suitable for obtaining in-depth insight into body composition within the context of preventive healthcare.

Results of the examination

The collected data are compiled into a clear report containing measurements and visualisations of body composition and its distribution. The results are compared with reference values from large-scale population studies, including the UK Biobank. This provides insight into how an individual’s body composition compares with that of age- and sex-matched individuals with a similar height and body weight.

The results are subsequently discussed during a personal online video consultation with a lifestyle physician. During this consultation, the findings are explained and interpreted, and translated into practical and appropriate lifestyle advice, aimed at insight, prevention, and supporting healthy choices. The consultation is intended to place the measurements in context and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or treatment indication, but provides insight into their relationship with metabolic health and potential health risks.

Specifications MRI Body composition

MRI scan

conditions Body composition

Details

Provides insight into
Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

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.

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Why MRI for Body Composition?

Results of the examination

Specifications MRI Body composition

MRI scan

Provides insight into

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Alternatives

(Not offered by Prescan)

Risks

Technical description

MRI Scanners

MRI Protocol

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