Body Measure – Three tests for better health promotion

Body Measure, the brainchild of two budding entrepreneurs, offers members of the public an opportunity to take charge of their health before it’s too late. 

Melina Elliott and Erica Henderson of Body Measure

When Melina Elliott and Erica Henderson worked together on a Canadian longitudinal study on aging, they had to use the Dexa machine, which provides information in a single scan on bone density, the percentage of body and visceral fat, and lean muscle mass.

The experience gave them an idea for a business. “So many people were volunteering for this test in our research that we said we should do something with this,” says Henderson.

The Dexa machine lies at the heart of their business project. “There are only five in the province, two of which are used solely for research,” says Elliott. The other two are only available in hospitals, by referral from a doctor, and are often only used to check bone density.

“We wanted to make the service accessible to everyone without referral, with Health Canada’s approval, because it’s important to know whether you’re at risk of developing osteoporosis or an obesity-related disease. If we did more prevention, we might be able to avoid some diseases and save the entire system money.”

Henderson adds that “Canada is far behind the rest of the world on this. In the United States, for example, you can often find several companies like Body Measure in the same city. There’s a lot of demand.”

“It changed my life.”

Elliott knows something about measuring one’s own health risks through the Dexa machine. In fact it was her own personal story that finally motivated her to make the leap towards entrepreneurship so that others could have the chance to live the same experience as she had.

“I did a scan of myself to calibrate the machine for our research. I knew I was overweight and I wasn’t very happy with my body, but it’s only when I saw the numbers and images that I really realized just how far beyond the safe limit I was!

The visual component was the key to motivating me to change my lifestyle and really take control of my life. I lost 80 pounds in 11 months. The experience changed my life, and I know I’m not the only one who needs scientific data to motivate themselves to take action.”

Henderson, a radiologist by profession but also a fitness trainer, adds that “often, when people train to lose weight, they hit a plateau and the scale just won’t go down. It’s discouraging because it feels like nothing’s happening. But with a Dexa scan, you can see major changes taking place inside the body. It really motivates you to continue your efforts.”

The Dexa test also calculates bone density, which can identify the risk of osteoporosis “before it’s too late. When the problem is caught early, it’s often reversible,” explains Henderson.

A unique trio of tests

Body Measure also offers a resting metabolism test using the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) machine, the only one of its kind in Winnipeg, as well as the Fit3D exam, which is currently only available in one gym in the city, and only to gym members.

“The RMR test is performed by relaxing and breathing into a tube. The machine calculates the number of calories the body burns at rest,” says Elliott. The Fit3D test “involves cameras that revolve around you to take all your superficial measurements, like the circumference of your hips, your thighs, etc., as well as your posture.”

Body Measure is the first company in Canada to offer all three exams in one location: the Dexa scan for internal body composition, the Fit3D exam for external body composition, and the RMR for the body’s metabolic rate. And what does the company offer beyond the initial tests.

“Body Measure has already partnered with many gyms and personal trainers across the city, and we’ll direct you to the facility or person who will best meet your goals,” says Henderson.

“We measure you, help you set realistic goals for your lifestyle, and give you tools to empower you to make the changes that are right for you,” says Elliott. “Our slogan is Measure, Empower, Achieve.”

Body Measure offers service in French. The clinic has been open to the public since July 17 but a grand opening is scheduled for September 29.

 Body Measure on CTV

Body Measure is located at Unit E, 1086 St. Mary’s Road.

For information and pricing, go to: www.bodymeasure.ca