What is a DEXA scan and why should I get one?

DEXA scans are specialized xrays that are used primarily for two purposes: Measurement of bone density and measurement of body composition. We focus more on body composition but both measurements are helpful. DEXA scans hit the sweet spot of high accuracy and almost no radiation exposure.

There are two metrics we mainly focus on for DEXA scans:

• Appendicular lean muscle index (ALMI)

• Unlike the fat-free mass index (FFMI), the ALMI does not include mass from internal organs. Thus the ALMI is seen as a more accurate estimate of skeletal muscle mass.

• Maximizing skeletal muscle is important to prevent sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting), which leads to poorer function with age.

• Visceral adipose tissue (VAT)

• Fat tissue is stored both in the skin (subcutaneously) and around the organs (viscerally). While subcutaneous fat is an efficient place to store fat for energy, visceral fat is dangerous because it is a major source of systemic inflammation. Elevated visceral adipose tissue has been associated with higher all-cause death, as well as elevated risk for cancer death and death from cardiovascular disease.