What is DEXA Scanning and How Can it Help You Understand Your Body Composition?
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Have you ever wondered about the exact breakdown of fat, muscle and bone in your body? A DEXA scan provides a detailed analysis of body composition that can help with health and fitness goals.
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What is DEXA Scanning?
DEXA stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. This specialized scanning technique uses two low-dose x-ray beams to measure bone mineral density and estimate soft tissue composition. DEXA is currently considered the gold standard for clinical body composition assessment due to its precision and low margin of error.
The Scanning Process
During a DEXA scan, you simply lie still on an exam table while an arm-mounted device passes over your entire body, capturing x-ray images. The scan only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. No special preparations are required other than removing any metal objects that may interfere with the scan.
DEXA results provide much more detailed information than just weight or BMI. You’ll receive a numerical readout of total body fat percentage, visceral fat levels, and fat versus lean mass in key areas like your trunk and limbs. DEXA can also detect subtle changes in bone mineral density to screen for osteoporosis.
Benefits of Understanding Body Composition
Knowing your precise body composition breakdown can be helpful for many reasons. It allows trainers and dietitians to create highly customized nutrition and workout plans. DEXA results also provide objective metrics to track progress from lifestyle changes over time. This type of advanced body analysis gives a more complete picture of your overall health and risk for certain diseases.
While DEXA scans are still primarily used in clinical settings, many gyms and wellness centers now offer the service. It’s a non-invasive way to gain valuable health insights that can motivate continued wellness efforts. The results are certainly worth consideration for those looking to optimize their fitness routine or manage weight loss in a sustainable way.
