Visceral Fat Measurement in Obese Mice Using QMR-Based Conscious Body Composition Analyzer

Obesity has become a global public-health challenge that threatens human health. Compared with people of normal weight, individuals with obesity have a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and fatty liver disease; severe obesity can even lead to respiratory depression. Obesity is also a major driver of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—the most common liver disorder—with a prevalence of roughly 25%–40%.

What techniques measure visceral fat in obese mice?

 

Traditional visceral fat measurement in obese mice relies on chemical analysis—the gold standard for body composition. Other approaches include bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, these can suffer from larger errors, narrower applicability, and greater susceptibility to confounders. The QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser, based on low-field NMR, is highly suited for rapid assessment of visceral fat in obese mice.

Beyond visceral fat measurement, the QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser can quantify whole-body composition in live rats and mice.

The QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser rapidly, accurately, and quantitatively measures fat, lean mass, and body fluids in conscious, unrestrained small animals. No anaesthesia is required—testing is direct, simple, and non-injurious—streamlining studies and reducing costs. Single animals can be followed longitudinally to track disease and recovery. With extended monitoring, researchers can evaluate how drugs, exercise, environmental factors, and nutrition affect physiological indices.

Efficacy evaluation of anti-obesity therapeutics

The QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser enables quantitative analysis of metabolism-related components—fat, lean tissue, and body fluids—supporting active-ingredient screening and mechanistic studies of metabolic diseases.

QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser

Key features of the QMR Awake Body Composition Analyser:

 

1) Fast testing: simple workflow; complete results in under 1 minute.

2) No sample prep: no anaesthesia; no sacrifice required.

3) Clear outputs: fat content and muscle content reported with high accuracy, stability, and repeatability.

4) Broad applicability: suitable for live rats, mice, rabbits, and other small animals.