Body Composition Analysis with Dexa - FAQs
What is Body Composition?
In simple terms, the body is made of 3 tissue types – lean
dense muscle mass, body fat, and bone. Even though two
people can have similar weight they can have drastically
different body shape and health status because of different
proportions of these tissue types. Body composition
analysis measures the amount of lean dense tissue and
body fat to determine one’s overall health status.
Why is Body Composition Important?
Because the 3 types of body tissues have different
metabolic activity, the relative amounts of each have an
impact on one’s health. In general, a greater percentage of
lean muscle mass is associated with better health.
Why Use DEXA?
Traditionally, body composition has been measured using
calipers on skin folds or body weight in water. These
techniques provide only a gross approximation of total
body composition. DEXA uses a very low dose dual X-Ray
full body scan that measures the actual amount of the
three tissue types – bone, muscle and fat. By measuring
the different tissue densities DEXA can provide total fat,
mineral and lean tissue mass in 6 symmetrical regions of
the body. Bone mineral content is also provided for 10
regions of the body. The results are very accurate and
specific for you.
In simple terms, the body is made of 3 tissue types – lean
dense muscle mass, body fat, and bone. Even though two
people can have similar weight they can have drastically
different body shape and health status because of different
proportions of these tissue types. Body composition
analysis measures the amount of lean dense tissue and
body fat to determine one’s overall health status.
Why is Body Composition Important?
Because the 3 types of body tissues have different
metabolic activity, the relative amounts of each have an
impact on one’s health. In general, a greater percentage of
lean muscle mass is associated with better health.
Why Use DEXA?
Traditionally, body composition has been measured using
calipers on skin folds or body weight in water. These
techniques provide only a gross approximation of total
body composition. DEXA uses a very low dose dual X-Ray
full body scan that measures the actual amount of the
three tissue types – bone, muscle and fat. By measuring
the different tissue densities DEXA can provide total fat,
mineral and lean tissue mass in 6 symmetrical regions of
the body. Bone mineral content is also provided for 10
regions of the body. The results are very accurate and
specific for you.
What Parts of the Body are Measured?
The scan the entire body and provides the total mass of all
3 tissues types in 6 regions of the body - (Right/Left arm,
Trunk, R/L Leg, Head). In addition, bone mineral content
(BMC) is provided in 10 regions - (R/L Arm, R/L Ribs,
Thoracic/Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, R/L Leg, Head).Is it Safe?
Yes. The procedure requires the person to lay supine for
~15 minutes while the DEXA system scans the body. The
total radiation exposure during the procedure is negligible
at ~0.04 mrem. For reference, 1 mrem equals normal
background radiation in one day.
Who is it Appropriate For?
Even though body weight may stay the same, body
composition can change for a variety of reasons. Whether
you are in a treatment program for chronic disease,
undertaking dietary and lifestyle changes to improve your
body shape, an athlete trying to achieve peak performance,
or are just trying to maintain healthy lean body mass as
you age, the ability to monitor changes in body composition
offers a valuable tool to modify your plan over time.
How Much Does it Cost?
One body composition scan for $60 or two scans for $100.
Typical time between scans is 3 months.
What Should I Wear for the DEXA/Body Composition
Appointment?
Click Here to find out.
The scan the entire body and provides the total mass of all
3 tissues types in 6 regions of the body - (Right/Left arm,
Trunk, R/L Leg, Head). In addition, bone mineral content
(BMC) is provided in 10 regions - (R/L Arm, R/L Ribs,
Thoracic/Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, R/L Leg, Head).Is it Safe?
Yes. The procedure requires the person to lay supine for
~15 minutes while the DEXA system scans the body. The
total radiation exposure during the procedure is negligible
at ~0.04 mrem. For reference, 1 mrem equals normal
background radiation in one day.
Who is it Appropriate For?
Even though body weight may stay the same, body
composition can change for a variety of reasons. Whether
you are in a treatment program for chronic disease,
undertaking dietary and lifestyle changes to improve your
body shape, an athlete trying to achieve peak performance,
or are just trying to maintain healthy lean body mass as
you age, the ability to monitor changes in body composition
offers a valuable tool to modify your plan over time.
How Much Does it Cost?
One body composition scan for $60 or two scans for $100.
Typical time between scans is 3 months.
What Should I Wear for the DEXA/Body Composition
Appointment?
Click Here to find out.
| Comprehensive Care Rheumatology • Naturopathy • Acupuncture • Yoga Therapy |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Arthritis Health • 9097 E. Desert Cove, Suite 100 • Scottsdale, AZ 85260 • (480) 609-4200 Copyright 2008 © Arthritis Health. All Rights Reserved. |
