Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, commonly known as DEXA, is a technique originally developed to determine your bone density, for the detection and treatment of osteoporosis. More recently, it is used as a three component body analysis that measures your body fat, lean mass and bone mass. Measurements of body composition help show how lean mass and body fat change during health and disease.
X-ray Absorptiometry
DEXA generates x-rays that send energy signals through your body. The reduction of signal strengths help estimate bone content and tissue composition. For example, X-ray energies may travel more quickly through fat mass than muscle mass. So, energies penetrating fat mass will have a stronger signal than energies penetrating muscle mass. The reduction of signal strength is referred to as attenuation, which is what your physician measures to determine your body composition. DEXA can determine total body fat or body fat in specific regions, such as your arms or legs.
What to Expect
Your physician will provide an explanation of the test being performed and let you know that he will take two low dose scans of your body. Depending on your situation, he may take a whole body scan or a scan of specific regions of your body. For example, midsection fat is associated with more health risks than carrying fat in your thighs and buttocks. If your doctor is assessing your midsection fat, he will scan that region of your body. The scan can take about 10 minutes, depending on the region, and you must lie still throughout the procedure.
Health Risks
The DEXA body composition analysis is an important tool in assessing your health risks. Excess body fat can lead to being overweight or obese. According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health risks associated with overweight and obesity include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver and gallbladder disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Weight Control
According to Medline Plus, 66 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight can help control your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Physical activity and following a healthy diet are important to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing excess body fat. If your DEXA analysis reveals that you have excess body fat, your doctor will provide diet and lifestyle recommendations to improve your health and reduce your risks of weight-related disease.
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