The new Netflix documentary, “You are what you eat” has sparked some new interest around DEXA and body composition scans. What is a DEXA and/or body composition scan? What can you learn from getting one?
What’s a DEXA Scan? What can you learn from getting one?
I was intrigued myself after watching the Netflix documentary and found a facility near me that offered them. Body Mass Gym in Arlington, Virginia was convenient and easy to schedule an appointment. (You can use MRTT10 for a discount if you live in the area).
A DEXA scan can provide you with a load of information including a detailed image of your lean tissue, bone mass and distribution of fat in your body. While this scan is not diagnostic, it is a great screening tool to start with. As I am in my 50’s, I was specifically interested in getting a baseline reading on my bone density.
The Test Procedure
The scan itself is pretty easy and non invasive. You lie on a table, clothed, and the scanner moves slowly across your body. I was told the radiation emitted from this test is very minimal and much less than a regular X-ray. It takes about 10 minutes total. There is no preparation or pre-testing procedure to follow. Results are immediately printed out and shared with you.
What can you learn from your results?
You will get a picture of your body composition that includes the ratio of lean tissue to fat and where it is located in your body. It is interesting to see if muscle is equal on both sides or if one side if dominant. While not diagnostic, a look at bone mass is very interesting. Results include a T-score which is a number compared to people of your same age, sex and weight so you get an idea of where you fall amongst average healthy people matching your criteria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- A T-score of -1.0 or higher is normal bone density.
- A T-score of -1.1 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia, or low bone density.
- A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
Is it worth it?
If you are someone who would like to track their fitness journey, assess the effectiveness of their exercise and nutrition or get a baseline look at bone mass density, a DEXA scan is worth looking into. Getting a baseline T-score to assess your risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a helpful metric to discuss with your doctor to see if any further action is required. As mentioned, it is a quick, non-invasive and pretty inexpensive (under $100) test. Some HSA’s may cover this.
If you live in the Northern Virginia area, Body Mass Gym in Arlington, Virginia is offering 10% off of the DEXA scan with code MRTT10.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
You will not believe it, but I have a note next to me which says: “schedule DEXA scan”.
I went to the obgyn last week and she recommended to get a bone mineral density scan and mammogram. I want to combine it with DEXA scan while I’m at it.
Your explanation of what exactly happens and how to read the results are going to be very helpful! Thanks, Deborah!!
Definitely 2 important tests to get done. Both are easy and quick!
This is interesting! I would have expected it to be very expensive, but less than $100 isn’t too bad. I might look into this in a few years.
yes, it is good to have a baseline before menopause
I had a scan similar to this a few years ago. I thought it was fascinating, especially learning about my body fat distribution. More recently, I had a DEXA scan that focused on my bone density, and I was disappointed to learn that I have osteopenia. My rheumatologist told me that when women go through menopause, they experience a drop in bone density, but that it stabilizes after that initial drop. I hope she’s right. I’m doing everything I can do to preserve my bone density, but I have risk factors such as heredity, body size, and steroid use, that affect it. SIgh. Getting older is just so fun!
Yes, I wanted to get a baseline bone density rating before I hit menopause so I can track that as well. All of strength training is key to maintaining that bone density!
I did have a similar scan done (though standing) a few years back when my gym offered them. I most recently had a bone scan, which concerns me the most (and is covered by insurance). It’s always interesting to learn all the data.
yes, I was most concerned with the bone density as well so I can have a baseline to refer back to as I age.
I’m not sure if I’ve gotten a DEXA scan but I did a bone scan (which was covered by my insurance.)
Sounds like you got some valuable info.
This is so interesting. I have heard of these before but wasn’t sure what all they encompassed. And I thought it would be much more expensive! I am going to look into this. Thank you for sharing!!
your welcome!
Great info here! It’s great the results from your scan are available almost immediately. I’m pretty sure I’d have to trek to Des Moines for one, but it would be worth the 45-minute (one way) of travel time.
yes, you get the results immediately. I am glad that I got the baseline bone density measure so I can track that as I age
Wow, this is interesting. I’ve had a regular bone density scan, but it sounds like the DEXA scan is way more helpful. I’m curious to know if you’re going to share your results (I totally understand if you don’t want to!)
I think it depends on what information you are looking for. I was primarily interested in getting a baseline bone density measure and I was happy to find out mine was above average. I have not gone through menopause yet so it will be interesting to watch. My body fat percentage was higher than I thought and higher than it was on a different measurement at my doctor’s office last year. So that upset me a bit.
Super interesting! I am not one to go in for extra tests, but I think this might be some valuable info to have. Women especially have to keep an eye on their bone density, so this is great.
It is a very important metric to watch and have a baseline for. We still have time to address bone density issues in our 30’s-50’s
It’s great to get a baseline bone scan before hitting menopause. I think I had my first one around age 50 at RIA or Fairfax Radiology, but they sent my results to my doctor who then shared them with me. I’ve had two since and so far so good – that’s why I keep lifting weights, walking, and running!