Frequently Asked Questions
01
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
The Kahm Clinic in Burlington, VT does not accept insurance for testing services. All assessments are self-pay at the time of service. If cost is a barrier, please contact us to discuss available options.
We do not accept insurance at our Connecticut location.
02
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VERMONT TESTING SITE AND ANNIKA KAHM’S SERVICES IN STAMFORD, CT?
The Burlington, VT location provides metabolic testing and body composition analysis (MT/BCA) for individuals seeking objective data on their metabolism, energy expenditure, and nutritional needs. Annika Kahm continues to offer both nutritional counseling and testing in Stamford, CT, which is a separate service from the Vermont testing clinic.
03
ARE METABOLIC TESTING AND BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS PAINFUL?
No, both tests are completely non-invasive. Metabolic testing involves relaxing under a lightweight canopy hood while your breath is analyzed for about 20 minutes. Body composition analysis requires placing small electrodes on your wrist and foot to pass a painless electrical current through your body.
04
WHAT DOES THE OPTIONAL CONSULTATION INCLUDE AFTER MY TEST?
We offer two types of optional post-test consultations: a 15-minute session for referring providers and a 30-minute session for individuals. The provider consultation includes a review of key metrics and guidance on how to interpret the data in the context of ongoing care. The individual consultation includes a walkthrough of test results, an opportunity to ask questions, and insight into what the findings suggest about metabolic function, energy availability, and nutritional status.
HOW IS METABOLIC TESTING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER NUTRITION ASSESSMENTS?
Metabolic testing directly measures how your body uses energy, providing a more accurate assessment than standard calculations based on weight, age, or general intake. It evaluates your resting metabolic rate (RMR) and how efficiently your body burns carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for fuel. Body composition analysis adds another layer of insight by assessing muscle mass, hydration levels, and overall cell health. Together, these tests provide a clear picture of metabolic function and nutritional status, offering valuable information for a variety of individual needs.
05
WHY IS BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS MORE USEFUL THAN BMI?
BMI is a simple calculation based on height and weight, but it does not reflect muscle mass, hydration, metabolic function, or overall health. Body composition analysis provides detailed insights, measuring lean mass, fat mass, hydration levels, and phase angle (a marker of cellular health). This makes it a far more precise and informative tool for understanding health and nutritional needs.
06
CAN SOMEONE BE MALNOURISHED EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT VISIBLY UNDERWEIGHT?
Yes. Malnutrition is not defined by weight alone—it occurs when the body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. Metabolic testing can identify low energy availability, inefficient fuel utilization, or metabolic suppression, even in those with a “normal” BMI.
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08
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET TESTED?
This depends on your health goals and needs. Many individuals choose to retest every few months to track metabolic improvements, assess changes in body composition, or adjust nutritional strategies based on their results. Athletes or individuals recovering from illness may find more frequent testing beneficial.
09
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT FASTING PRIOR TO MY FIRST VISIT. IS THIS MANDATORY FOR ALL CLIENTS?
Yes, fasting is required for at least four to five hours before metabolic testing to ensure an accurate measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR). Because this test assesses how your body expends energy at rest, any recent intake of food or beverages (other than water) can temporarily alter results.
We recognize that fasting can be a complex issue, particularly for individuals with eating disorders or a history of restrictive eating. If fasting presents a challenge, we encourage you to fast for the minimum required time (four hours) and bring a meal or snack to eat immediately after testing. Morning appointments are often a good option, allowing you to complete the test after an overnight fast and eat shortly afterward.
For individuals working with an outpatient treatment team, we recommend coordinating with your providers to determine how best to prepare for the test in a way that aligns with your recovery needs.
10
CAN METABOLIC TESTING AND BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS BE TRIGGERING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH EATING DISORDERS?
We understand that terms like “metabolic testing” and “body composition analysis” can be difficult for individuals with a history of disordered eating, particularly in a culture that often misuses these concepts in unhelpful or harmful ways. Our approach prioritizes clinical accuracy and objective data rather than weight-focused or appearance-based metrics.
For individuals in eating disorder recovery, testing results should always be interpreted in the context of overall health rather than reinforcing rigid numerical goals. Many outpatient teams use these assessments as a tool to guide renourishment, monitor metabolic restoration, or inform safe reintroduction of movement, but it is essential that results are framed appropriately. If you are working with a provider, we encourage you to discuss in advance how test results will be shared and whether certain numbers should be withheld or delivered in a way that aligns with your recovery.
If you have concerns about how testing may impact you, we recommend speaking with your treatment team to determine whether metabolic testing and body composition analysis are appropriate tools for your care.