What is a DEXA Scan?
Definition | Benefits | Results | Where to get a DEXA scan
DEXA is the gold standard for accurate and detailed body fat analysis
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA / DXA) is widely regarded as one of the most proven and reliable technologies for measuring body composition. DEXA technology provides comprehensive, precise measurements of total body fat percentage, along with segmental body fat distribution in regions such as arms, legs, android (waist) and gynoid (hips).
The DEXA scan can be used to obtain an initial body composition assessment and to understand how the body is changing over time – i.e. how much the lean and fat tissue changes over time, therefore measuring the impact of training or dietary programs.
DEXA's body composition capabilities can also measure the visceral fat content in the android (waist) region. Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it's a key player in a variety of health problems — much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind you can grasp with your hand. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs. Last but not least, DEXA provides additional results on bone density.
ABOUT DEXA / DXA BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS
Looking beyond the bathroom scale.
Accurate measurement of body composition provides valuable information for assessing, monitoring the human body.
Most people are used to stepping on a scale from now and then. But monitoring weight – while helpful – is not a precise way of assessing health and fitness progress.
Body composition measurement with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can look beyond weight and the traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine body fat distribution.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The DEXA / DXA body composition measurement technology provides far more complete and precise information than any other weight and and body fat assessments tool.
Body composition measurement with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA / DXA) helps individuals, trainers and physicians monitor the effects of diet and exercise in a precise manner.
Precise, accurate and segmental (regional) body fat data can have many benefits such as:
Supporting decisions on training regimens and nutrition plans.
Understanding and monitoring health risks related to body fat distribution and bone density.
Moreover, the measurements are fast and non invasive.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS DOES A DEXA SCAN PROVIDE?
Regional body fat results
Body fat (or body composition) scans with DEXA / DXA provides precise and accurate data on total body fat percentage, total fat mass and fat-free mass. Most importantly, what is unique about DEXA body composition technology is that it provides regional body fat results (trunk, arms, legs, pelvis and android/gynoid regions).
For instance, DEXA scans can give a precise measurement of visceral fat / abdominal fat.
Visceral Fat
Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it's a key player in a variety of health problems — much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind you can grasp with your hand. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs.
Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In women, it is also associated with breast cancer and the need for gallbladder surgery.
Why Is Visceral Fat Important?
It is well-established that both the distribution and volume of fat, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is a predictor of future health. While normal amounts of visceral fat pad and protect organs, an excess amount of VAT is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and increases health risks for cancer, stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.1, 2, 3 Excess VAT can impact lifestyle by increasing the risk of dementia, depression, arthritis, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disorders. Storing excess fat around the organs increases the production of inflammatory substances that interfere with hormones that control appetite, weight, mood, and brain function.
There are several methods for quantifying VAT, including waist-to-hip measurement, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy absorptiometry (DEXA), CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Although CT is considered the gold standard because of its accuracy and reliability, its drawbacks are exposure to ionizing radiation and the relatively high cost of a CT exam. DEXA has been found to be an accurate means for measuring VAT volume and is generally more accessible to the general population.
DEXA offers several advantages compared to CT including reduced radiation dose, decreased scan times, and lower cost. Importantly, obtaining VAT measurements with DEXA is easily performed in conjunction with evaluation of bone mineral density, fracture assessment and risk, and whole body composition.
Learn more: Visceral Fat: The Invisible Health Risk - Vyvyane Loh, MD CEO and Medical Director Transform Institute for Metabolic & Lifestyle Medicine.