Why a DEXA Scan Is Better Than the Scale

Sometimes, when individuals say they’re making an attempt to drop extra pounds, what they really imply is that they’re making an attempt change their physique composition—they’re making an attempt to be leaner. A decrease quantity on the size might be a sign that you just’re shedding physique fats, however it might simply as simply imply you are much less hydrated than the final time you weighed your self, and even that you just’ve dropped muscle mass.

When contemplating your general well being (or making an attempt to look nice and not using a shirt on), physique weight alone provides you an incomplete image. For info past weight, a lot of newer sensible scales just like the Withings Body Smart provide detailed metrics and suggestions, together with issues like physique fats proportion and metabolic rate. They’re a helpful start line if you wish to start monitoring modifications.

However for medical grade evaluation, the very best place to show is a DEXA scan. This machine makes use of low-level X-rays to find out an individual’s bone density and general physique composition. The process itself solely takes a few minutes: Sufferers lie on their again, staying fully nonetheless whereas a mechanical arm scans the size of their physique. The scan creates a silhouette map of bone, lean tissue, and fats together with a complete breakdown of graphs and numbers exhibiting how their physique compares to the typical inhabitants. Typically, a DEXA scan will price someplace within the $100 vary. That features the process itself and time with a clinician explaining precisely what every part means.

Traditionally DEXA scans have been utilized by bodybuilders anxious to know their general physique fats or anybody involved about bone density. However extra not too long ago the take a look at has been championed by longevity experts like Peter Attia due to the great suggestions the scan provides. Along with general physique fats proportion and bone density, the take a look at additionally lets you understand an correct resting BMR—what number of energy you burn a day by simply current—and the distribution of fats amongst your physique. A healthcare practitioner can clarify what all of that suggestions means to your general wellness. It’s worthwhile info for anybody obsessive about optimizing their well being.

I not too long ago underwent a DEXA scan at Toronto’s Bone Wellness Center. Strolling into the appointment, I assumed I had a reasonably respectable concept of my physique composition. A current analysis at had given me my numbers utilizing a wise scale with bioelectrical impedance evaluation: a bit extra muscle than these in my age vary, together with a bit extra physique fats.

However I used to be stunned—and humbled—to seek out that the DEXA scan put my physique fats proportion a full ten % greater than the numbers from the retreat. Equally, my BMR was about ten % decrease than I’d beforehand thought. Whereas my ego was inclined to imagine the extra flattering outcomes, scrambling for potential causes every part might be unsuitable, usually research put the error charges between one to two percent. Whereas others have that fee much higher, the DEXA scan continues to be thought-about the gold customary in physique composistion analysis.