For those navigating weight loss, fitness, or general health goals, numbers on a scale don’t always tell the full story. That’s where advanced testing at the CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center comes in. Through BOD POD® and Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing, the clinic offers patients a deeper, data-driven understanding of their body’s unique physiology—laying the groundwork for more informed and effective health decisions.
BOD POD®: Measuring More Than Weight
The BOD POD® is a scientifically validated tool that uses air displacement technology to measure body composition, including body fat percentage, lean mass, and total body volume. Unlike traditional methods such as BMI or skinfold calipers, the BOD POD® offers a quick, highly accurate assessment without the need for invasive procedures or guesswork.
It’s a preferred tool for athletes, medical professionals, and anyone who wants a clearer picture of what’s going on inside their body. “The BOD POD® is a valuable tool to accurately measure percent body fat and percent fat-free mass,” says Rachel Fleming, Clinic Business and Operations Manager. “It can help patients determine their starting point before beginning a weight loss journey or training for a specific objective.”
Resting Metabolic Rate: Your Body’s Energy Blueprint
The RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) test determines the number of calories the body burns at rest—information critical to understanding how to properly fuel the body for weight loss, maintenance, or performance. Conducted using a metabolic cart, the test measures caloric needs by analyzing oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production while at rest, providing insight into how many calories the body naturally expends to maintain essential functions like breathing and circulation.
“Your resting metabolic rate is the largest component of your total daily energy expenditure—the amount of energy your body uses throughout the day for all bodily functions, exercise, and non-exercise movement,” explains Fleming. “By using a measurement of resting metabolic rate instead of an estimate,” she adds, “patients can more accurately adjust their caloric intake to their needs.”
Once this personalized data is collected, providers can calculate precise daily calorie targets, allowing for more informed decisions around nutrition, energy balance, and overall health goals. This testing removes the guesswork, replacing generalized guidelines with individualized recommendations.
Tailored Tools for Personalized Wellness
Together, BOD POD® and RMR testing provide a strong foundation for individualized care. Often used in conjunction with the clinic’s comprehensive programs—which include support from physicians, registered dietitians, psychologists, and fitness specialists—these assessments help tailor care to each patient’s unique needs. Whether someone is working toward weight loss, managing a medical condition, or simply aiming to feel better in their body, these tools can refine the approach and support long-term success.
“Some patients seen at the CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic complete a BOD POD® assessment every few months to track their weight loss progress,” says Fleming. “They are able to review their results with their medical provider and celebrate their weight loss success,” she adds. “Our weight management providers also utilize Resting Metabolic Rate assessments as part of some patients’ care plans. This assessment is helpful in evaluating whether an underlying metabolic disorder may be contributing to difficulty in losing weight.”
These insights are particularly beneficial for individuals who have hit a plateau in their wellness journey, have metabolic concerns, or want to ensure their efforts are aligned with their body’s specific needs.
Getting Started
BOD POD® and RMR testing are available by appointment at the CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic. Test results are reviewed in detail with patients, and recommendations are made based on the findings to support long-term, sustainable health changes.
To learn more about pricing, availability, or how to schedule a test, visit the clinic's page on the AHWC website or call at 303-724-9030.
