When it comes to health, weight is only one piece of the puzzle. You’ve probably heard of BMI (Body Mass Index)—a quick calculation of height and weight used to categorize a person as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. But here’s the truth: BMI doesn’t tell the whole story.
For patients struggling with weight, chronic illness, or simply feeling unwell, there’s a better tool available—DXA Body Composition Analysis.
What Is a DXA Scan?
DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a non-invasive imaging test that measures body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone density with exceptional precision. Unlike the scale, which lumps everything together, DXA breaks it down to show exactly where fat is stored, how much muscle you have, and the health of your bones.
Why Go Beyond BMI?
BMI doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle, and it says nothing about fat distribution—an important predictor of health risks like heart disease and diabetes. A person with a “normal” BMI could still carry excess visceral fat, which wraps around internal organs and contributes to cardiometabolic issues.
By contrast, a DXA scan offers clear, actionable insights that can:
- Reveal fat distribution patterns linked to higher health risks
- Track muscle loss in aging adults or those with chronic conditions
- Guide nutritional and therapeutic interventions
- Support athletes with detailed data on lean mass, symmetry, and overtraining risk
Who Benefits Most From a DXA Scan?
This tool isn’t just for athletes or those in a weight loss program. It’s ideal for:
- Adults with obesity, to assess fat location and tailor treatment
- Patients with wasting syndromes, to measure and monitor lean tissue
- Those with chronic kidney disease or cystic fibrosis, where tracking nutritional status is essential
- Older adults, to monitor bone density and muscle mass with age
- Athletes, to evaluate training impact and recovery
- Anyone experiencing unexplained weight gain or fatigue
What You’ll Learn From Your Report
Every scan includes:
- Total and regional body fat percentage
- Visceral fat analysis (the most dangerous kind)
- Lean mass in the arms, legs, and trunk
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scores
- Muscle balance indicators—crucial for injury prevention and aging
How to Get a Scan
A physician referral is required, and the scan itself is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Contact us to learn more!