Kentuckians can get a better understanding of their health through the Performance Nutrition and Body Composition Lab in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.  

The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition recently opened its research-grade lab to the public. The facility includes a Bod Pod, which evaluates body composition for lean muscle mass and body fat, and a Quark Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) system that measures the number of calories a person burns while at rest.   

“We want to provide Kentuckians with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of some important health metrics,” said Tammy Stephenson, department chair. “Having a higher percentage of body fat, and less lean body mass, can increase a person’s risk for chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and obesity.” 

Department faculty and graduate students oversee the lab’s activities, and UK professors will continue to operate the lab for research purposes.

The Quark RMR test measures the number of calories a person burns while at rest. Photo by Matt Barton, UK agricultural communications.

Individuals may schedule an appointment on the lab’s website. Bod Pod testing takes less than 10 minutes and RMR testing takes 30-45 minutes. Clients receive test results at the time of their appointment. Clients can then view videos created by department faculty, who are registered dietitian nutritionists, on the lab's website. These videos explain more about the tests and provide additional information about interpreting test results.  

Discounts are available to UK faculty, staff and students and for all participants wishing to do both evaluations. Evening, weekend, early morning and daytime appointments are available on the lab’s website https://performancenutritionlab.ca.uky.edu/. The lab has a free parking spot outside of the Funkhouser Building on UK’s campus for its clients’ convenience.