Beyond Body Fat: Using DEXA Scans to Identify Health Risks

The scale frequently ends up being the preferred method for tracking improvement when it comes to evaluating your health. Still, the number on the scale represents a little portion of the whole picture. Deeper analysis of your body composition is necessary for a thorough understanding of your health, and this is where DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans come into play. Although DEXA scans are commonly known for their capacity to quantify body fat, there are many other advantages associated with them. In this blog post, we'll look at how DEXA scans can provide important health data, like visceral fat and bone density, which are important markers of heart disease and osteoporosis risk.

What is a  DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a type of medical imaging test that measures body composition, including fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral content, as well as bone density using a very low dosage of X-rays. DEXA scans were first created to evaluate bone health, especially in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, they have since expanded into an effective instrument for evaluating total body composition. DEXA scans are the industry standard because they yield precise, dependable, and thorough data that other body composition examinations do not.

Bone Density: A Key Sign of the Risk for Osteoporosis

Dexa scans are primarily used to detect bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis, which is characterised by weak, brittle bones that are prone to fractures, can only be diagnosed using this measurement. Because osteoporosis usually shows no signs until a bone breaks, it is sometimes referred to as a "silent disease". Early identification is crucial because the condition is frequently progressed by the time fractures occur.

How Bone Density Is Measured by DEXA Scans

A DEXA scan is a medical imaging test that uses a very low dose of X-rays to measure bone density and body composition, including fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral content. A T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult, is the result of the scan. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is regarded as normal; a score of -1.0 to -2.5 denotes osteopenia, which is the condition that precedes osteoporosis; a score of -2.5 or below shows osteoporosis.

Causes of Bone Density

One important indicator of fracture risk is bone density. Although bone density typically declines with age, bone loss can be sped up by a variety of variables, including hormone fluctuations, food, physical activity, and heredity. Fractures are more common in low bone density individuals, notably in the hips, spine, and wrists. These injuries can have life-threatening repercussions, especially for elderly individuals. Early detection of low bone density using a DEXA scan allows you to modify your diet, take supplements, engage in weight-bearing activities, or take medicine to strengthen your bones and lower your risk of fracture.

Visceral Fat: The Unspoken Risk

Visceral fat is less well known than subcutaneous fat, which is the form of fat that is stored directly beneath the skin. Visceral fat refers to the fat that is accumulated around important organs such as the pancreas, liver, and intestines, deep within the abdominal cavity. Visceral fat is different from subcutaneous fat in that it is metabolically active and releases hormones and inflammatory compounds that can cause disruptions to normal bodily functioning and raise the risk of major health issues.

How Visceral Fat Is Measured by DEXA Scans

With the ability to differentiate between various forms of fat in the body, DEXA scans offer a thorough examination of both visceral and subcutaneous fat. A colour-coded map of the body is created by the scan, emphasising the regions with high visceral fat concentrations. This makes it possible to quantify anything precisely and shows you how much visceral fat you actually carry.

The Dangers to Your Health from Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is sometimes called "hidden fat" because it can be difficult to see on the exterior, yet it still offers serious health hazards. Elevated visceral fat is highly associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain malignancies. This kind of fat can cause harmful cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance—all of which can accelerate the onset of heart disease.

Improving general health requires reducing visceral fat. Since visceral fat responds better to food and exercise than subcutaneous fat does, lifestyle modifications can have a big impact on how much of it is reduced. A DEXA scan can reveal your visceral fat levels, which may provide the push you need to start making these changes.

Beyond Body Fat and Bones: Extra Health Benefits from DEXA Imaging

The advantages of this technology extend beyond bone density and visceral fat, which are two of the most important health markers determined by DEXA scans. Here are some other ways DEXA scans can support an all-encompassing health evaluation:

Lean Muscle Mass

Lean muscle mass, which is essential for preserving strength, mobility, and metabolic health, can be measured using a DEXA scan. Sarcopenia, a natural loss of muscle mass that occurs with ageing, increases the risk of falls and fractures, causes decreased physical activity, and can cause weakness. You can modify your exercise and dietary regimens to preserve muscle strength and function as you age by keeping track of changes in lean muscle mass.

Regional Body Composition

A regional examination of body composition is provided by DEXA scans, which display the distribution of muscle and fat in various body regions. Athletes and anyone pursuing certain fitness objectives may find this material especially helpful. For instance, someone recovering from an accident could keep an eye on changes in the amount of muscle and fat surrounding the injured area, while a runner might wish to check the muscle mass in their legs.

BMR, or basal metabolic rate

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), or the amount of calories your body requires to sustain basic physiological functions when at rest, can be estimated by advanced DEXA scans. Accurately managing your weight and body composition can be made easier by customising your diet to meet your unique metabolic needs based on your BMR.

The Value of Consistent Monitoring

DEXA scans provide the advantage of being able to monitor changes in body composition over time. Regular DEXA scans can help you evaluate your body's response to ageing, drugs, changes in lifestyle, and visceral fat, among other things. You can use the insightful feedback from this continuous monitoring to guide the decisions you make on your wellness and health plans.

Beyond only determining your weight, DEXA scans provide an incredibly comprehensive and thorough picture of the composition of your body. DEXA scans can give you vital information about your general health by evaluating bone density, visceral fat, lean muscle mass, and other factors. This information can help you identify and manage your risk for serious illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. By using DEXA scans for routine monitoring, you can be better equipped to take charge of your health and make proactive decisions that will keep you robust, healthy, and resilient for the rest of your life.

Contact bodyview.co.uk right now if you're interested in obtaining a DEXA scan. Remember that the first step to reaching your ideal level of health and longevity is to have an understanding of your body from the inside out.