Phase Angle
Phase angle is a number measured during a body composition scan that reflects the health of your body’s cells and muscles.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Phase angle is a number measured during a body composition scan that reflects the health of your body’s cells and muscles. A higher phase angle generally means better cell health and more muscle mass, while a low reading can suggest poor nutrition or inflammation. It helps doctors track changes in your body beyond just the number on the scale.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Phase angle is derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as the arctangent of the reactance-to-resistance ratio, expressed in degrees, and reflects cellular integrity, body cell mass, and cell membrane function. It is a validated prognostic marker of nutritional status and is inversely associated with inflammation and mortality in clinical populations. In obesity management, serial phase angle measurements help monitor muscle preservation and metabolic improvement during caloric restriction.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Accord’s body composition analysis uses phase angle alongside other metrics to ensure patients lose fat while preserving muscle, which is essential for keeping metabolism healthy and preventing weight regain.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.