What is Body Composition?

‘Body composition’ is a description of what the body is made of and which includes fat, protein, minerals and water.  When we undertake a body composition analysis, such as a DEXA scan, this will accurately measure and over time show changes in our fat mass, muscle mass and body fat percentage. This is a far more accurate way to look at whether we are ‘over fat’ than using ‘weight’ as a measure. It also allows us to see how much muscle we have and whether this is declining, and we have what is known as ‘sarcopenia’ or muscle wastage.

What is DEXA Scanning?

Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is one way to determine our body composition.  DEXA has become the gold standard in body composition measurement and tracks changes in muscle mass and body fat through X-ray technology.

The DEXA Scanning Process

DEXA technicians use a special piece of X-ray equipment to do a DEXA scan.

You remain clothed and lie flat on a scanning table. A scanning arm passes over you with an X-ray detector inside and measures the amount of X-rays that pass through your body.  This information is used to produce an image of your body. A scan usually takes about 10 minutes and you get a personalised report outlining how much fat, muscle mass and bone you have in your body. This enables you to measure how well or otherwise you are doing when you implement changes such as adopting a weight loss program or taking up resistance exercise as a means to grow your muscle mass.

How Often Should You Get a DEXA?

There’s no point in doing any test or evaluation if you have no intention of using the information!  If you your goal is to increase muscle, lose fat from important areas such as around your heart or look at the health of your bones, then you should consider having a DEXA scan at least annually.  This is assuming you are implementing interventions to support these goals. If you are an athlete or are ‘biohacking’, then you will most likely want to have a DEXA every 3 months to track your progress. 

Where Can I Get a DEXA Scan?

Sydney: MeasureUp

 

Last reviewed 04-Jun-2020

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Kate Marie

Whilst wielding a couple of dumbbells in a gym class in 2003, Kate experienced an epiphany around the lack of accepted best practice guidelines when it came to staying well and avoiding disease. Kate realized that she had no chance of slowing her own aging process unless she became better educated about her options.