Monmouth Psychological Associates provides Metabolic Testing to individuals seeking to optimize nutrional behaviors as part of a training program, weight management program, or because they have identified metabolic or body composition problems needing nutritional intervention.

Metabolic Testing takes about 45 minutes and includes the following Measurements:

          -Resting Metabolic Rate
        -Body Composition (weight, body fat percentage)
        -Hydration Levels
        -Blood Pressure


A Nutritional Evaluation is required with the Metabolic Testing. 
Though our technicions are properly trained in providing information about these tests, the Nutritional Evaluation will appropriately assess the results with the individual and will ensure that the individual fully comprehends all the information that this tests supplies. The Nutritional Evaluation is  an additional 45 minute session that will follow the Metabolic Testing. To schedule these appointments, please call Beth at 732-530-9029. In most cases, these services are not covered by insurance. Please call the office to discuss rates.


The following instructions are given to individuals prior to testing, and are provided here for information purposes as well as for those patients desiring to access this information electronically. 



MetaCheck/Body Composition Analysis Nutrition Information

How do I prepare for testing?
Usually, your testing will be done in the morning. The night before, drink at least 8 oz. of water after 8:00 and avoid a large meal and alcohol. That morning, drink 8 oz. of water at least an hour before the testing, do not eat, do not exercise, and do not drink caffeinated beverages. Wear clothes that you can relax in, and clothes that you will be able to wear again for your repeat testing, which will probably be in about 8 weeks. Avoid testing during menstruation. Try and schedule appointment 5-10 days after the last day of your period.

What will take place during the testing session?
When you arrive at your scheduled time, you can expect to have a discussion with the technician in order to make sure that you fully understand the different tests and what will take place during the testing session. You will be participating in three tests (metabolic rate, body composition, and blood pressure/heart rate). The metabolic test (which requires you to lay down and relax while breathing normally into a tube) will be done twice. After the first measurement, you will relax for several minutes, and then we will ask you to breath into the tube again. (This allows us to get the most accurate metabolic information). The metabolic test will be followed by the body composition analysis and lastly you will have a blood pressure/heart rate reading from both a lying down and standing position. 

Metabolic Rate

The Metacheck machine measures RMR .  What does RMR mean?
Resting Metabolic Rate is the amount of calories you burn in a day (24 hours) if you were to rest all day, quietly lying down. RMR is the amount of calories that your body burns to maintain normal body functions such as breathing, heartbeat, thinking, etc. Your RMR accounts for about 80% of all the calories that you burn.

How does MetaCheck measure metabolic rate? For every calorie your body burns, it consumes a fixed amount of oxygen. Actually, your body is burning (also called, oxidizing) food…this is why our internal temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than the same as the air around us. Metacheck measures the oxygen you inhale then calculates the precise number of calories you are burning. Volume of Oxygen (V02) is a scientific, or medical, notation for the rate at which Oxygen (02) is consumed. RMR is calculated directly from the V02 that is measured during the test. What is Total Metabolic Rate (TMR)? Total Metabolic Rate is the number of calories burned in a day including calories burned due to normal daily activities such as walking, working, etc. This is also referred to as Total Energy Expenditure (TEE). Taking into account the sorts of activities that are typically included in your day, we can then estimate Total Energy Expenditure. Our measurement of Resting Metabolic Rate is a direct and accurate measurement which is our primary interest about your nutritional functioning. Total Energy Expenditure depends on activity level, which you control with the advice of your nutritionist.

What is metabolism? Metabolism is the speed at which calories are consumed (burned). A high metabolism indicates that calories are being burned faster. What is a calorie? A calorie is a measure of heat, and is a way to keep track of the "fuel" value of food. The calories that appear on food labels represent the potential energy, or fuel, that the food contains.  

Body Composition

Body Composition is the measurement of the percent of our weight that is fatty tissue and what percent are muscle and other tissue. Our total weight consists of bones, muscle, fat, water, etc. We need it all to be healthy, including fat!

How does the Tanita measure Body Composition? The Tanita machine measures what is called electrical impedance. Measured in Ohms, the impedance value reflects how hard a mild electrical signal has to work to travel through the body. Lean mass (containing water and electrolytes) conducts the current, while fat mass acts as a resistor to the current. Standing on the machine, a very mild electrical current is passed through the body and we measure how much resistance occurs. You cannot feel the current at all.

Does the Tanita measure anything else? Yes. From your Tanita measurement, we can also measure your hydration level. Hydration level is the amount of water you have in your body. Having adequate water in your body, available for both metabolic functioning and other needs, is essential to good health. In addition to discussing your body composition with you, your nutritionist may also talk to you about your hydration level. 

Blood Pressure/Heart Rate

The blood pressure machine will give us a reading of your blood pressure and heart rate. Please try to wear a shirt that allows you to easily roll up the sleeve of your left arm because that is where the reading will be taken. We will take two readings: the first reading will be while you are lying down and resting. Then, we will ask you stand up with the blood pressure cuff still on and we will take a reading immediately after you are standing.

How is blood pressure measured? Your blood pressure is measured using an automatic digital machine. The person taking your blood pressure will put a cuff around your left arm and the machine will give a reading of your blood pressure and heart rate.

What do the numbers mean? The top number, which is called the systolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart is forcing blood through them. The bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes. The top number can be anywhere from 90 to 240 and the bottom number can be anywhere from 60 to 140. Everyone has a different blood pressure and it can change in the same person during the day and night. The reason we measure you blood pressure and heart rate in two positions (lying down and standing) is to check to see if your body has adequate blood flow such that your heart can handle sudden changes in posture. Sometimes if there are nutritional problems, a person's heart rate has to really speed up to get blood to the head to prevent dizziness. We will check this and your nutritionist will discuss this result with you.