I’d certainly heard of body composition tests before, I had one done with calipers a couple of times many years go when I worked with a personal trainer. I’ve heard of women getting bone density tests too, but I didn’t know there was a single scan that measures it all. It’s called a DexaScan.
I was recently invited to have a DexaScan, which measures body fat, bone mineral density and muscle mass. They didn’t have to twist my arm to get in there.
What is a DexaScan?
Dexa stands for Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The scan works by passing two low-dose x-ray beams at differing energy levels through the tissues of the body. From the amount of radiation that passes though the tissues of the body, the computer can determine how much of your tissue is muscle, fat, water or bone and where it’s all stored.
DexaScan measures:
- What percent of your body is fat and how it’s distributed
- The percentage of your body that is lean muscle and how it’s distributed
- Bone weight and density
Basically you wear comfy clothing with no metal parts, lie still for 5-7 minutes while an x-ray wand passes over you and that’s it. Totally stress- and pain-free. The rest of the visit was spent going over my results.
Here’s what I learned:
- I’ve got fat to lose. This didn’t surprise me. While my bodyfat % is not in a dangerous range, and I did lose 10 pounds this year as I’ve worked on getting my thyroid under control, but I’d still like it to be lower.
- I’d like to think all my cross training would pay off in leaving me with a balanced muscle mass. Turns out my right and left sides are VERY balanced. My right arm has one tenth of a pound more muscle then my left, while my left leg has one tenth of a pound more muscle than the right. I was pleased as underlying muscle imbalances are often the cause of injury.
- I didn’t think low bone mineral density would be an issue for me but when one gets to a “certain age” and the hormones do their precipitous drop, who knows? I was definitely curious. Turns out my bone mineral density is waaay up in the green (good) zone. Almost off the chart. Good stuff! I will take it!
- Even though I stay active and eat well most of the time, my menopot is more of a meno-barrel these days. I worry about dangerous visceral fat. Turns out while I do have some visceral fat, it is nowhere near the dangerous level. Most of that belly fat is not around my organs. Great news.
- While overall I have a lot of muscle mass, proportionately my legs are stronger than my glutes, especially the gluteus medius responsible for moving laterally, which is typical of a runner. Let’s just say 2019 may find me training that bootay a little harder.
Overall this was an easy yet fascinating process and a great tool whether you’re interested in losing weight, are an athlete or body builder focused on strength and building/balancing muscle mass or just curious for general health reasons.
There are DexaScan locations around the country. Check here to find one near you.
Have you heard of a DexaScan? Have you had your bone mineral density tested? Body composition?
I’m linking up with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five.
This is so cool! I’ve always wanted to have something this accurate done but the chances are slim that there is one near me. I’m glad you were pleasantly surprised with some of the results 🙂 Now get that booty in gear!! LOL!
Wasn’t it such a good experience? I was pleasantly surprised about the (lack of) visceral fat on my scan too. Guess Coach Lucifer is going to have to load up the plates for your squats! LOL
What a great tool to help us stay fit. I wonder if insurance would pay for a dexascan. You have to be so pleased with your results! Bone density is always a worry. Now you have to find an exercise to work your boo-tay!
This is so very cool. I love numbers and states so this is right up my ally.
This is really good to see where one needs to work harder and to validate the work that has been done! That is interesting that muscle imbalances can cause injury. I’ll be keeping an eye on that!
I’d love to have one done, but I’d want to drop some weight before I do. You know, sort of like studying for a big exam – so I can get all the questions right! Sounds like you had a great result over all. I’d be especially happy with the bone density!
This sounds really informative. I had a body composition scan a few years ago but it wasn’t that in-depth. I love how you’re able to use the information and apply it to workouts, like for your glutes.
I had no idea that a Dexa scan could measure bone density and composition. What a useful and easy test. I remember those awful and unreliable calliper tests they used to do at the gym. This is something I would do for sure. Thanks for sharing your results
I didn’t know they did bone density too! This sounds super informative. I had a 3D scan done a while back, but it’s been a long time since I had my bones checked. I need to look into this. Thanks for the information!
I’m pretty sure my body fat would be on the higher side. Unfortunately, the nearest one to me is in a different state. Not that far but . . . it IS in a spa. Now, if they’d offer me a free spa day & a scan I’d be totally motivated. 🙂
I have only heard of this already because I just read Wendy’s blog! I was in PT earlier in the fall for lower back pain and my PT had me doing lots of glute activation exercises. My glutes are strong, they just don’t turn on! Dangit!! Even though I am done with PT, I do my exercises every time I lift, about 2-3 times per week.
I haven’t done a body composition test but this is so cool to see! I would be very curious to see how unbalanced my left and right side are. I know I have a few weaknesses but curious to see what they really are!
super cool! and great news for you!
What a great resource! Years ago (like 14?), our oldest was taking part in a fluoride study, and part of the protocol was for her to get scanned as well as the hubby and myself. I honestly have no recollection of the results. That was before I was a runner, and the equipment was probably not very advanced in comparison to your dexascan. I’d really be interested to have this done now…I’m certainly in a lot better shape than I was back then.
This is a great resource. I wish there was one nearby. I am curious what it would reveal.
I’d had a bone density scan but that’s it. At the time, it was normal.
Wow this sounds so cool! I’ve had bone density done in the past, but would love to have a scan that could look at my muscle imbalances.
Interesting, I’ll have to look into this. Love the idea of the distribution tracking for all the reasons you mentioned. And congrats on the 10LB loss, well done!
I had my BMR done at my recent endocrinologist checkup, fascinating too.