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Metabolism Testing FAQ

MedGem® Metabolic Fingerprint™ FAQ

Q: What makes MedGem by Microlife different from other weight management tools?

A: The MedGem device utilizes breakthrough technology that provides individuals, for the first time, easy access to their unique Metabolic Fingerprint ™, or resting metabolic rate. The technology is more precise than the commonly used estimation equations based on statistical averages of height, weight, gender and age. The estimates routinely used are only accurate for about 20% of the population, and can lead to frustrating and unsuccessful weight loss efforts. The MedGem is portable, convenient and affordable, and is more accessible than previous machines known as metabolic carts, found only in hospitals and research settings.

Q: What is Metabolism?

A: Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. Your metabolism can differ greatly from others who share the same height, weight, gender and age. Also, metabolism can change over time and with weight loss or changes in fitness and activity.

Q: What does MedGem measure?

A: MedGem measures individual oxygen consumption to determine a Metabolic Fingerprint™, or Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR*), which accounts for the vast majority of the calories your body burns naturally each day; the remainder is burned during daily activity and purposeful exercise. The device measures the amount of oxygen your body is using, and since your body uses oxygen only to convert food into energy (to burn calories), the two are directly related.

Q: Once someone knows their Metabolic Fingerprint™, how can they use this number to manage their weight and overall health and fitness?

A: Balancing calories in and calories out is the key to weight management success. If you burn more calories than you eat, you will lose weight, and vice versa. Since a Metabolic Fingerprint™ measurement result represents the vast majority of the calories your body burns, that number can be used as the basis for determining your daily calorie intake.

Q: How long does it take to have a measurement completed and how quickly can I receive the results?

A: The MedGem measurement takes only five to 10 minutes and the results can be viewed immediately.

Q: How accurate is the MedGem® device?

A: When compared to the gold standard Douglas Bag (used in research settings), the MedGem is accurate, with no statistically significant difference.

Q: How much does the Metabolic Fingerprint™ measurement cost?

A: We offer MedGem measurements for the competitive price of $79. Our Registered Dietitian will go over your results and translate your results into practical advice and offer free tools to help you get started.

Q: How often should I have my Metabolic Fingerprint™ measured?

A: You should have your Metabolic Fingerprint™ measured periodically when losing weight or when making changes to your fitness program, as metabolism will change over time. A change in metabolism is often the reason individuals hit frustrating "plateaus" during their weight loss program. A Metabolic Fingerprint™ measurement every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended so that adjustments to your weight management or fitness program can be made for continued success.

Q: Where can I get my Metabolic Fingerprint™ measured?

A: Our offices are conveniently located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Ramsey, NJ off of Route 17. Click here for more details. If you reside outside this region, you may enter your zip code where prompted here to locate a MedGem provider in your area.

*RMR is calculated using the Weir equation. The Weir equation and a constant RQ value of 0.85 (RMR = 6.931 x VO2) is used to convert VO2 to RMR. Weir, J.B., New Methods of Calculating Metabolic Rate with Special Reference to Protein Metabolism. J Physiol. 1949; 109:1-9.

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