What a 3D Body Scan Reveals About Muscle, Fat & Visceral Risk | Total Health Pros

Introduction

Knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Traditional scales provide only weight, failing to distinguish between muscle and fat. Body mass index (BMI) offers a rough estimate but doesn’t reveal where fat is stored. 3D body scanning technology, like the Styku system used at Total Health Pros, provides a detailed picture of your body’s composition and shape. This article explains how 3D scans work, what they measure and how these insights can guide your fitness, nutrition and hormone optimisation.

How 3D body scanning works

A 3D body scan is a non‑invasive process that takes less than a minute. You stand on a rotating platform while infrared sensors capture thousands of data points. The scanner creates a three‑dimensional avatar of your body, measuring circumferences (waist, hips, thighs, arms), body composition and posture. Unlike X‑ray‑based DEXA scans, 3D scans use harmless infrared light and are radiation‑free. They’re safe for repeated use to track progress over time.

Metrics provided

• Body circumference measurements: Accurately measures waist, hips, chest, arms, thighs and more. Waist circumference is particularly important, as increases of just four inches significantly raise the risk of low testosterone and metabolic syndrome.
  

• Body fat percentage: Estimates overall body fat based on circumferences and proprietary algorithms. While not as precise as DEXA, it is consistent and useful for tracking trends.
  

• Lean muscle mass: Calculates lean mass distribution across different body regions. Helps identify imbalances between right and left limbs or upper and lower body.
  

• Visceral fat indicator: Some 3D systems estimate visceral fat using waist measurements and demographic data. Excess visceral fat is associated with increased aromatase activity and lower testosterone.
  

• Posture analysis: Detects deviations like forward head posture or pelvic tilt, which can contribute to pain or injury.

Visceral fat vs subcutaneous fat

Subcutaneous fat lies just under the skin and can be pinched; visceral fat surrounds internal organs. Visceral fat is more metabolically active and produces inflammatory chemicals and aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. High visceral fat increases risks of heart disease, diabetes and low testosterone. Knowing your visceral fat levels empowers you to take targeted action.

Interpreting results

Healthy ranges vary by age, sex and ethnicity. General guidelines suggest:

• Body fat percentage: 10–20 % for men aged 20–40, 15–25 % for men aged 40–60. Higher percentages indicate overweight or obesity.
  

• Waist circumference: Men should aim for < 37.5 inches; risk increases above 40 inches.
  

• Waist‑to‑hip ratio: A ratio > 0.9 suggests increased cardiovascular risk.

If your scan shows high visceral fat, we recommend additional testing—fasting glucose, lipid panel, liver enzymes, testosterone levels—and immediate lifestyle interventions.

Comparison with DEXA and other methods

DEXA scans use low‑dose X‑rays to measure bone density, fat mass and lean mass with high accuracy. They provide regional fat and muscle distribution and are the gold standard for body composition analysis. However, DEXA exposes you to radiation (albeit minimal) and is more expensive and less accessible. Bioelectrical impedance scales are inexpensive but less accurate and influenced by hydration. 3D scanning offers a balance of accuracy, affordability and convenience, making it ideal for regular monitoring.

Integration with nutrition, fitness and hormones

At Total Health Pros, we don’t just show you numbers; we create a plan to improve them. When a 3D scan reveals excess visceral fat or low muscle mass, we pair that information with lab tests—such as testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA and cortisol—to uncover hormonal contributors. We also perform FoodAlign testing to identify foods that may be causing inflammation or bloating. Based on your results, we design a customised nutrition plan using our macro calculator, recommend targeted exercise routines and, if necessary, suggest hormone therapy. Tracking progress through regular scans keeps you accountable and motivated.

Conclusion

A 3D body scan provides far more insight than a bathroom scale. It reveals the distribution of muscle and fat, highlights visceral fat risk and helps detect postural imbalances. When combined with lab testing, it can uncover hidden reasons for fatigue, low testosterone or stubborn weight gain. If you’re ready to see your body in a new dimension, schedule a Styku scan at Total Health Pros in Hurricane, WV. Our experts will interpret your results and guide you toward better health.