New, state-of-the-art technology is helping clinicians at the Sheffield Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre better understand and support the changing health needs of people living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
CF is a rare, inherited genetic condition that causes breathing and digestive problems. There is currently no cure but there are medicines and supportive treatments that can help. The Sheffield Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre cares for around 250 people over the age of 16 living with the condition.
As life expectancy continues to rise, clinicians are looking at how best to support patients who are gaining weight or are suspected to have low muscle mass and high fat mass linked to years of reduced physical activity due to illness and hospital stays.
Thanks to funding from Sheffield Hospitals Charity, patients with CF can now have a detailed body composition assessment using the Bodystat Multiscan 5000, a small, non-invasive device that completes a full body measurement in just six seconds. This technology provides clinicians and patients with clear, personalised reports, supporting conversations around healthy eating, exercise, and long-term wellbeing.
By allowing patients with CF to see their progress as they work to build muscle mass and adopt healthier habits, the device is expected to play a valuable motivational role.
Ailsa Milne, Specialist Dietitian for Cystic Fibrosis:
“Until now, we’ve mainly used BMI to monitor weight, but BMI can’t tell us how much of a person’s weight is muscle and how much is fat. Low muscle levels can cause problems such as weaker physical ability, a higher risk of falls and fractures, and a lower quality of life. To understand this better, we’ve introduced body composition checks using the new technology. We’re offering this to every patient at their annual review so we can collect a clear picture of their starting point. We then use this information to talk about how their results might affect their future health, and what steps they can take now to support a longer, healthier life with CF.”
Published: Friday 20th of February 2026