A microwave method to remotely assess the abdominal fat thickness

We introduce a method to measure the fat thickness by harnessing the physics of destructive interference. At certain frequencies, when the fat thickness equals a quarter wavelength, the amplitude of the reflected wave is minimized due to the destructive interference. Therefore, by observing the frequency where the reflection is minimized, we are able to deduce the fat thickness. This work demonstrates that this simple method can operate not only on a planar tissue model but also on a cylindrical model as well as the Zubal human phantom model. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate the estimation of the fat thickness for the planar tissue model with a broadband antenna. This method for assessing one's abdominal fatness can allow continuous self-monitoring due to its low cost and simple measurement procedure.

Automated summary

This method utilizes destructive interference physics to measure fat thickness by minimizing the amplitude of reflected wave at certain frequencies. It can operate on planar tissue, cylindrical, and human phantom models. Experimental results show that this simple method can be used for continuous self-monitoring of abdominal fatness due to its low cost and simple procedure.