The app turns photos into a 3D body model and accurately determines body composition

Cambridge University specialists have developed a 3D BodyShape application that can analyze body shape and calculate how fat and muscle are distributed. It uses machine learning algorithms trained on data from 12,000 people.

Body composition is one of the key factors affecting health. People with a pronounced “apple” type of figure, as well as low muscle mass in the extremities, are at increased risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease. New technology makes it possible to monitor changes in the body without complicated and expensive procedures.

It is enough to take four photos (front, back, left and right) and the app will create a digital model of the body. Based on the data obtained, the algorithm will determine the percentage of fat, the ratio of muscle to adipose tissue, and potential risks. Importantly, the entire process takes place right on the smartphone, and personal data is not transferred to external servers.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is still a popular method of weight assessment, but it has a serious flaw – it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. A person with high muscle mass can get the same BMI as an overweight person, making this indicator not accurate enough. The new approach allows the body to be analyzed in more detail and identify potential problems.

So far, the app has been trained on data from mostly Europeans, but the researchers plan to expand the database to include people of different ages and ethnic groups. After all, the distribution of fat and muscle depends on genetics, and it is important to take these features into account.

Such a tool can become useful not only for doctors, but also for every person. The ability to track changes in the body will help in time to adjust lifestyle – add physical activity, change diet or pay attention to the quality of sleep. In the long term, it can reduce the burden on the health care system, because people will be able to monitor their health independently and consult a doctor only when necessary.

So far, 3D BodyShape is a prototype, but in the near future the developers promise to release an app for iOS and Android. In the future, it may become a free tool for everyone who wants to monitor the condition of their body.