Global Body Fat Measurement Market by Product Type (Calipers, Body Scales, Other Product Types), By Technique (Bioimpedance Analysis, Hydrostatic Weighing, Other Techniques), By End-user, By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

In 2022, the Global Body Fat Measurement Market was valued at USD 748 Million and is expected to reach USD 1407 Million in 2032. During the forecast period of 2023-2032, the market is estimated to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.7%.

Body fat is a crucial aspect of general health, but too much can be harmful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high amounts of body fat, or obesity, increase your chance of acquiring many of the prevalent chronic health disorders associated with premature, preventable death.

However, having too little body fat can be harmful to one’s health because it is required for the regulation of glucose, cholesterol, energy storage and release, and reproductive hormone metabolism. These functions can be jeopardized if there is insufficient body fat. Body fat measurement devices are equipment that a person can use to measure their weight and body composition.

The rising prevalence of obesity and metabolism-related disorders, rising knowledge about fitness and body weight management, increased usage of modern technologies, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure in emerging nations are key factors driving market expansion. Furthermore, increased product approvals and innovative product launches are projected to present the market with profitable growth possibilities during the forecast period.

*Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report

Key Takeaways

• Body Composition Analysis: Body fat measurement is part of body composition analysis, which measures the ratio between fat mass and lean body mass that includes muscles, bones and organs.
• Body Fat Measurement in Healthcare and Fitness: Body fat measurements serve an integral purpose in measuring overall health, body composition, and fitness levels for individuals who seek to manage their weight, fitness levels and nutrition effectively.
• Medical Applications: Body fat measurements play a vital role in medical settings for diagnosing and managing various health conditions such as obesity, metabolic diseases and related health risks.
• Methods of Measurement: There are numerous techniques available for gauging body fat. These methods include bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), skinfold thickness measurements, underwater weighing and air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod).
• Techniques of Body Fat Measurement: There are both non-invasive and invasive body fat measurement techniques; with some needing specialist equipment while others being noninvasive or minimally invasive.

Driving Factors

Rising prevalence of obesity

Obesity is becoming a growing concern all over the world. This syndrome raises the risk of a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. According to current University of Washington figures, global obesity rates among adults have climbed by 27.5% during the last 33 years, while rates among children have increased by 47.1%.

Globally, the number of overweight and obese persons has climbed from 857 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion in 2013. Obesity affects 671 million of these people. Between 1992 and 2002, the most significant increase in obesity rate occurred among individuals aged 20 to 40. At the moment, more than half of the world’s obese people live in just ten countries: The United States, China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Obese people account for around 62% of the global population.

The United States experienced the highest growth in adult obesity prevalence, with one-third of the population being obese. This is followed by Australia, where around 30% of women and 28% of men are obese, and the United Kingdom, where about a quarter of the adult population is obese. Overweight and obesity rates among children increased dramatically in developed countries as well.

Between 1980 and 2013, rates for boys climbed from 17% to 24%, while rates for girls increased from 16% to 23%. Thus, the rise in the prevalence of obesity is anticipated to fuel the demand for body fat measurement devices, thereby driving the growth of the market.

Increasing health awareness

Several studies have found that long-term engagement in bad health practices such as unhealthy diet, low physical activity, and noncompliance with illness detection and preventive guidelines are significant predictors of later-life physical health problems. As a result, more people are getting concerned about their health.

According to a survey conducted by the consulting firm EY India, 40% of Indian respondents said they would pay a premium for products that promote health and wellness, which is higher than the global average of 29%. IBISWorld forecasts a 0.7% increase in health consciousness in 2022-23, hitting 110.9 index points. Long-term, health consciousness among Australians has been steadily increasing, and this trend is expected to continue with a 0.5% increase in 2022-23. Thus, rising health awareness is anticipated to fuel the demand for Body Fat Measurement devices during the projected time period.

R&D activities and technological advancements

Methods that provide accurate information on biological and metabolic activities are always in demand.  Scientists and clinicians can quantify several body components and evaluate changes in health with a longitudinal assessment based on analytical methods.  Body fat measurement devices that evaluate a wide range of measurable properties, as well as body composition, for understanding the efficacy of clinical and nutritional interventions, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are constantly in demand. This has stimulated the demand for new and advanced body fat measurement devices.

Also, body composition measurement techniques are constantly being improved at a large scale over the world. Quantitative magnetic resonance for total body fat measurements, multisegmental and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and imaging to further characterize ectopic fat depots are ongoing endeavors. Therefore, such advancements in technology and new research initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Restraining Factors

Issues related to reliability and accuracy

The global obesity and diabetic population is at an all-time high. More people than ever before are suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory ailments over the world. However, one problem with assessing body fat % is that regardless of the results, it will not tell you exactly what your risk is. For example, two people with the same amount of body fat, age, gender, exercise level, and so on will have different health outcomes.

Some women with low body fat levels develop breast cancer, a condition that has been linked to high body fat levels. It can also be altered by factors such as hydration level and menstrual cycle, making it less trustworthy in certain situations. Therefore, such issues associated with the reliability of body fat measurement devices may limit the adoption of this equipment.

High cost of equipment

Historically, the availability and cost of bioimpedance analyzers have limited their utility. The high cost of each scan ($200+), the expensive expense of the equipment ($80,000 to 160,000), and the radiation (albeit very small) involved in scanning persons are all limitations of DXA.  Thus, the high cost of body fat measurement devices may restrain the market growth during the forecast period.

By Product Type Analysis

The other products lead the market with high revenue share

The growth of the other product type segment can be attributed to factors like the launch of different innovative products, the availability of various body fat measurement devices and analyzers, and technological advancements by key market players.

Also, body scales are expected to witness high growth over the projected time period. Body scales can be a very useful tool for measuring many components of your body composition. In fact, those who want to gain muscle or lose fat utilize them quite frequently. Most body scales employ bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). But, they may also make use of information such as your gender, weight, and height. Many body fat scales evaluate various body composition metrics, such as muscle mass, bone mass, and body water %, in addition to measuring body fat.

By Technique Analysis

Bioimpedance Analysis is dominant in the market

Bioimpedance analysis is used to analyze human body composition by passing a tiny alternating current through the body and detecting the impedance.   This technique is very simple and quick to execute, and if you have the necessary equipment, it can be done at home. It offers a wide scope of applications in sports and medical research, particularly causal association research investigations in different domains like anthropology, nutrition, epidemiology, and so on. Bioimpedance analysis is witnessing high demand due to its ease of use and the wide variety of parameters it can monitor.

Also, DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) is expected to be at a high rate during the forecast period. DEXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique, is used to determine the composition of soft tissues. Total and regional fat, bone mineral-free lean components, and bone minerals can all be measured with DXA. The approach is based on the attenuation properties of tissues subjected to two peak energy of X-rays.

Using diverse physical and biological models, mathematical algorithms may calculate body components. The approach accurately measures bone mineral mass as well as soft tissue mass.  The high utilization of DEXA in large healthcare settings, as well as the excellent accuracy of these devices, are significant drivers likely to fuel segment expansion during the forecast period.

By End-user Analysis

Hospitals and Clinics are major end-users

The weight of the patient is important in several aspects of medication, including overall nutrition assessment, medication dosage, and fluid balance estimation. As a result, all patient visits or hospital admissions must include the tracking of patient weight. Therefore, hospitals and clinics largely require body fat measurement devices. According to the British Heart Foundation, dietitians and nutritionists frequently use Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) to assess a person’s nutritional status and physical fitness.  DEXA is also considered the gold standard in body composition analysis.

Also, fitness centers are likely to grow at a high rate during the estimated time period. Body fat has a detrimental impact on the overall health of an individual, and fat plays crucial functions in overall body function, such as energy metabolism and digestion. Excess body fat might reduce your weight-to-work ratio and cause you to use more joints during exercise.

As a result, the adoption of body fat assessment instruments grows with time. Skin Calliper, Bioelectrical Impedance, and Hydrostatic Weighing are some body fat assessment instruments recommended by fitness professionals. A growing number of fitness and gymnasium centers is predicted to contribute to the growth of the segment.

Market Segments

By Product Type

• Calipers
• Body Scales
• Other Product Types

By Technique

• Bioimpedance Analysis
• DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry)
• Hydrostatic Weighing
• Air-displacement Plethysmography
• Other Techniques

By End-User

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Fitness Centers
• Other End-Users

Growth Opportunity

Government initiatives

The Maharashtra Ministry of Water Resources and Medical Education launched an obesity awareness campaign in the state in November 2016. The initiative was created in partnership with the JT Foundation and included BMI assessments for students, teachers and non-teaching personnel, and patients at Out Patient Departments at 16 medical colleges across Maharashtra.

Also, in July 2020, the UK Government released its obesity plan emphasizing making obesity prevention and treatment a national priority, as well as improving prevention and treatment facilities, including access to obesity services. The strategy briefly highlights the steps the government will take to assist people in losing weight. It also categorically emphasizes the need for nationwide healthcare to combat obesity.   The launch of such key government initiatives for the prevention of obesity is likely to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market.

Latest Trends

Technological advancements and strategic initiatives

Technological developments in the development of unique devices are aiding the market growth. Styku, for example, provides a 3D body fat scanner to track body fat measurements that alter over time. Photogrammetry, a computer vision technique, and 3D scanning technology are all combined in this 3D scanner. Such technologically advanced devices provide accurate analysis of body fat composition.

Furthermore, significant players in the market are continuously engaged in strategic activities such as product introduction and product portfolio strengthening. ZOZO, Inc., for example, launched a new system called ZOZO Fit in August 2022 to assist consumers in tracking their weight reduction, health fitness, and body transformation. This system was created by utilizing cutting-edge 3D technology.  Thus, technological developments and the implementation of strategic initiatives by key players is an emerging trend and is expected to positively contribute to the growth of the market.

Regional Analysis

The North American region is expected to hold the largest share of the market at 35% during the forecast period. The growth in the region can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in obesity rates, increased government investments in healthcare, and an increase in the number of fitness centers, gymnasiums, and health clubs. According to the OECD research published in January 2020, around 73% of the Mexican population is overweight.

Mexico has one of the OECD’s highest obesity rates. Furthermore, 34% of obese people are morbidly obese, which is the highest state of obesity.  Moreover, according to CDC in May 2022, the anticipated medical cost of obesity in the United States in 2019 was around USD 173 billion. Adults with obesity incurred medical costs that were USD 1,861 more than those with a healthy weight. This trend is becoming increasingly common in cities and is expected to drive demand for body fat measurement equipment during the forecast period.

Also, due to the existence of several BIA device manufacturers in the area, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a high rate throughout the projection period. The growing population in developing economies like India and China is also contributing to the regional market’s expansion. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of obesity, rising fitness and health consciousness, and high investments in healthcare infrastructure in emerging countries are all expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the region.

Key Regions

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• MEA
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Israel
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The global Body Fat Measurement market can be considered highly competitive. The market is likely to grow at a significantly high rate as many companies in the market are focussing on technological advancements and the launch of innovative products.

Moreover, the implementation of strategic initiatives like mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships is expected to fuel competition among major industry players.

Top Key Players in the Market

• OMRON Healthcare Co, Ltd.
• Hologic Inc.
• GE Healthcare
• The Diagnostic Medical Systems (DMS) Group
• Beurer GmbH
• Xiaomi
• InBody Pvt. Ltd.
• Garmin Ltd.
• Bodystat
• AccuFitness LLC
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• January ’22: Inbody Ltd., a company that manufactures and markets body composition analyzers and other related medical instruments, announced a collaboration with Orangetheory Fitness for providing precise and dependable body composition data to its members across studios worldwide.
• January ’22: Withings introduced Body Scan, which monitors nerve activity through sweat, body composition, and other factors. Following the release of its latest smartwatch at the end of 2021, Withings has announced the release of its next major smart health gadget in 2022. Body Scan will deliver sophisticated body composition readings, sweat nerve activity, vascular health, and 6-lead ECGs, as well as clinical assistance, personalized health plans, and other services.

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