DEXA Body Composition Scan

A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) machine uses x-ray to analyze body composition in terms of fat, muscle mass, and resting metabolic rate. This can also analyze bone strength, or bone mineral density, making it different from other conventional body composition scales or devices.

Information from DEXA scans can provide information for the following:

Athletic Training

• DEXA colour mapping of bone, fat, and lean mass can show exactly where fat is being lost and muscle being gained
• DEXA provides information regarding this, far more valuable than a simple weight scale

Obesity

• Those at greatest risk are thought to be those with central obesity – high levels of upper body (abdominal) fat
• Assess muscle asymmetries which cause imbalances and stresses
• Have a baseline in case of injury

Cardiovascular

• DEXA scans help predict and prevent heart disease through assessment of vinternal abdominal fat around organs
• The presence of abdominal aortic calcification has been found to be a marker of increased risk for cardiovascular events

Anorexia Nervosa

• Helps direct nutritional therapies, reestablishing the normal relationship of fat to lean tissue

Chronic Renal Failure

• Patients with renal dysfunctions are at significantly higher risk of primary and secondary osteoporosis.

Wasting Syndrome (caused by HIV and AIDs)

• Helps monitor the effects of pharmacological and nutritional programs aimed at preventing or treating wasting syndrome

Osteoporosis

• A regular X-ray can show changes in bone density after bone loss of approximately 40%. A DEXA scan can detect changes of 2-4%

The Machine

• Quick – lasts 15 minutes
• Painless – simply lie down
• Open – not confining like a CT or MRI
• Safe – no more radiation than a 1.5-hour flight

Instructions

• No calcium supplements 24 hours prior to test
• No food 3 hours prior to test
• Wear loose fitting clothing and remove jewelry beforehand

Cost (First Scan $100 or free if seeing Lifestyle Medicine Specialist)

• First Scan $100; subsequent scans $75
• If seeing Lifestyle and Preventative Medicine specialist, the first scan is free
• Ask your family doctor for a referral to have your scan results professionally interpreted