A new study from Mayo Clinic shows that using 3D body scans with AI software can help identify if someone is at risk of developing metabolic diseases. These diseases include conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity, which can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, diabetes, and liver disease.
Traditional methods like BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat scales are outdated and don’t give a complete picture of a person’s health. The Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new AI algorithm that uses data from 3D body scans. These scans collect detailed measurements of a person’s body, including the abdomen, chest, hips, and legs. This data is then combined with other health information, like blood test results and lifestyle details, to more accurately predict the risk of metabolic diseases.
The study involved over 1,200 participants who underwent 3D body scans, answered health-related questions, and completed blood tests. The new tool was found to be much more accurate in detecting metabolic syndrome than traditional methods like BMI or hip-to-waist ratio.
Dr. Betsy Medina Inojosa, a research fellow at Mayo Clinic, highlighted the need for better tools to assess the risk of metabolic diseases, as existing methods are not reliable for everyone. Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, the senior author of the study, explained that the 3D scans offer a precise way to measure body fat and muscle, especially in critical areas like the abdomen and chest, where unhealthy fat often accumulates. This new approach could lead to better prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.
Source: healthimaging
