DEXA Scan: What It Is and How It Works

February 11, 2024

DEXA Scan at a Fitnescity partner test location. © Fitnescity

The key to strong bones, improved muscle tone, and reduced fat percentage is lifestyle modifications and a good training program. In order to make that happen, it’s necessary to gain a detailed insight into your body composition. That’s where the DEXA scan steps in. Read on to learn what DEXA is and how it works. When you are ready, visit Fitnescity, the national leader in DEXA Scan and VO2 Max testing.

Definition

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a medical imaging technology that measures bone density and body composition. Since DEXA relies on low-energy X-ray beams, the image shows bone and soft tissue alike. These beams have different peak energy frequencies to target bones and tissues.

This high-precision imaging test has been around for decades. Back in 1987, DEXA was introduced for commercial use.

What to expect from the DEXA scan

You can expect the whole process to be quick and painless. You will receive instructions from Fitnescity on how to prepare for DEXA scan before your appointment. For example, you will be instructed not to wear metal or hard plastic and, ideally to show up in gym clothes. That means you shouldn’t wear metal or jewelry.

Moreover, you will need to avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan. Ideally, you should do a four-hour fast before the scan. It’s also better to arrive well-hydrated to your appointment.

Also, you can expect a technician to take you through every step of the process and explain what happens during the test. After the scan, you can expect to see the results on your personal dashboard on Fitnescity.

What happens during a DEXA scan

Your scan with Fitnescity begins when you lie down on a table with a C-arm attached to it. The arm moves back and forth while it’s scanning your body from head to toe. You will need to stay still while it’s scanning. The technician may help position your body in order to capture the best image. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes until the machine captures a complete image.

Is the DEXA scan safe?

One of the biggest concerns that people have about DEXA scans is safety in terms of radiation. You’ll be pleased to know that the DEXA scan is safe. This type of scan uses a significantly lower level of radiation than standard X-rays.

This noninvasive scan involves minimum radiation, which is comparable to flying from New York City to Los Angeles. In fact, one paper from the Journal of Midlife Health revealed that one of the many benefits of DEXA is reduced radiation exposure.

Although DEXA scan is painless, noninvasive, and generally safe, it’s not suitable for everyone. People under the age of 18 years shouldn’t get a DEXA scan. The scan isn’t suitable for pregnant women and people who are unable to stay still for 10 to 15 minutes.

Do you need a prescription for a DEXA scan?

Some states and imaging facilities may require a referral or prescription, regardless of whether you are completing the scan for body composition only, or for tackling a known bone density condition. The great news is that Fitnescity handles orders through a national network of board-certified physicians. The process is completed remotely when you purchase a scan through Fitnescity, and it is included in the service. Once you finalize DEXA scan appointment scheduling and you’re ready to check out, you will notice a link to complete a form which will be sent to Fitnescity’s independent network of referring doctors. That way, you can get a prescription quickly, without taking time off work to obtain one.

What results do you receive from a DEXA scan

The results you receive from a DEXA scan show the following:

● Fat Mass, Lean Mass, and regional body fat distribution: This includes data on total body fat percentage, total fat-free mass (muscle), and total fat mass. DEXA scan shows the exact percentage of lean mass and adipose tissue (fat mass) in specific regions of your body e.g., arms, trunk, pelvic area, and legs. Body fat or adipose tissue is a connective tissue composed primarily of adipocytes or fat cells.

Adipose tissue can be white or brown. White adipose tissue accounts for the majority of adipose tissue in your body, and it can be divided into subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is found right under your skin, and that is the fat you can “feel” when you pinch your stomach. Visceral fat is in the abdominal cavity, which is why elevated levels pose numerous health risks. The DEXA scan will typically show you visceral fat results as well.

● Bone density: This includes bone mineral density and shows how you compare with other people of the same age or gender. Bone density results reveal whether you’re at a higher risk of osteoporosis or show its severity. More precisely, bone density describes how porous your bones are. Low bone density indicates a higher risk of fractures, which can negatively affect your quality of life.

How to read DEXA scan results

Interpreting DEXA scan results is easier than you think. When you do a DEXA scan with Fitnescity, you get access to your dashboard. There, you can see your result and what the values represent. Your dashboard also shows how you compare to other people of the same age or gender.

As seen above, DEXA scan results involve information regarding your adipose tissue or body fat mass and lean muscle mass. The latter can appear as lean/height2, and a higher number is desired because it signifies more muscle mass.

In terms of adipose tissue, visceral fat is particularly important. DEXA scan results show VAT information in three categories: mass, volume, and area. The area is a crucial measure because it correlates to elevated risk of various health conditions. So, if your VAT area is between 10 and 100cm2, it is classified as a normal range. Values between 100 and 160cm2 represent increased risk, and scores between 160 and 300cm2correlate to high risk.

Your dashboard shows all results in detail and describes what they mean. That way you gain insight into your health status and what lifestyle modifications to implement for better values next time.

When it comes to bone density, your DEXA scan results usually involve a T-score. T-score compares your scan with the bone density of a healthy adult of the same gender. If your T-score is -1.0 or higher, your bone density is normal. Values between -1.1 and -2.4 indicate low bone density, while a T-score of -2.5 or lower may indicate osteoporosis. It’s important that DEXA scans completed through Fitnescity do not provide medical diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of your doctor if you are looking for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Your DEXA scan results may also involve a Z-score, which represents the amount of bone that a person has compared with other people of the same size, gender, and gender. A Z-score over -2.0 is acceptable, while anything lower than that is below the normal range.

How often should you complete a DEXA scan?

How often you should complete a DEXA scan depends on your goals, but every three to six months is useful for people who want to measure their body composition with emphasis on adipose tissue. The most practical approach is to get a package at Fitnescity so you can hold yourself accountable. You also want to test at the same location for increased test-to-test repeatability. .

When it comes to bone density, you may need to do a DEXA scan every two to five years or sooner, depending on bone density risk factors and age.

Conclusion

DEXA scan is a fast and painless technique that provides a detailed insight into your body composition or bone density. With DEXA scan at Fitnescity, you can modify your lifestyle habits or training programs to reduce visceral fat or increase muscle mass and improve bone health.