How can I interpret the phase angle?
The phase angle is an indicator of overall health, metabolic activity and nutritional status. Percentiles in the normal ranges for age and gender are suitable for interpretation of the data.
In addition to an adequate cell mass (BMI in the normal range), a pronounced muscle mass has a strong influence on the phase angle. Since men have a higher proportion of muscle than women typically men have a higher phase angle. As we age, the phase angle declines with muscle mass and metabolic changes. Low phase angle values result from reduced cell mass (underweight), chronic illness and in particular from overhydration (e.g., in dialysis).
In addition to an adequate cell mass (BMI in the normal range), a pronounced muscle mass has a strong influence on the phase angle. Since men have a higher proportion of muscle than women typically men have a higher phase angle. As we age, the phase angle declines with muscle mass and metabolic changes. Low phase angle values result from reduced cell mass (underweight), chronic illness and in particular from overhydration (e.g., in dialysis).