2970 Clairmont Rd., Suite 210
Brookhaven, GA 30329

Office Phone:
(404) 236-9502

Concierge Membership Portal

John C. Moultrie, MD | Personalized Family Medicine Physician | Atlanta, GA

DEXA Body Composition Scan

What is the DEXA Body Composition Scan?

The DEXA Body Composition Scan is a quick and painless test that uses dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure the amount of bone, muscle, and fat in your body. It is the most accurate way to measure body composition, and it is used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people with medical conditions, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

What should you expect during the DEXA Body Composition Scan?

During the composition scan, you will lie on a padded table while the DEXA scanner passes over your body. The scan takes about 10-15 minutes, and you will need to remain still. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the test.

Why is a DEXA Body Composition Scan useful?

The DEXA Body Composition Scan can be used to:

    • Track your progress over time to see how your diet and exercise routine are affecting your body composition.
    • Set realistic fitness goals.
    • Identify any muscle imbalances or areas of excess fat.
    • Assess your risk for osteoporosis and other medical conditions.
    • Monitor the effectiveness of treatments for osteoporosis and other medical conditions.

What can I learn about my health from a DEXA Body Composition Scan?

A DEXA body composition scan can tell you a lot about your health, including:

    • Body fat percentage: This is the percentage of your body weight that is made up of fat. A healthy body fat percentage for men is between 10% and 20%, and for women it is between 18% and 25%.
    • Lean muscle mass: This is the weight of your muscles, bones, and organs. Lean muscle mass is important for metabolism, strength, and balance.
    • Bone mineral density (BMD): This is a measure of the strength of your bones. Low BMD is a risk factor for osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle.
    • Visceral fat: This is the type of fat that is stored around your internal organs. Visceral fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Image from Dexafit.com

In addition to these specific measurements, a DEXA scan can also provide you with a general overview of your body composition and how it compares to others of your age, sex, and height. This information can be helpful for setting fitness goals and tracking your progress over time.

Here are some specific examples of what you can learn about your health from a DEXA scan:

    • If you are trying to lose weight, a DEXA scan can help you track your progress and make sure you are losing fat instead of muscle.
    • If you are an athlete, a DEXA scan can help you identify any muscle imbalances or areas of excess fat that could be affecting your performance.
    • If you have osteoporosis or another bone disease, a DEXA scan can help your doctor monitor your condition and track the effectiveness of treatment.
    • If you are at risk for heart disease, stroke, or diabetes, a DEXA scan can help your doctor assess your risk and develop a prevention plan.

What should I do If I am interested in a DEXA Body Composition Scan?

All concierge patients of Moultrie Medical are eligible to receive the DEXA Body Composition Scan as a part of their annual membership. Please call the office or talk to Dr. Moultrie at your next appointment if you are interested.

Click here to learn more about DEXAFit and the DEXA Body Composition Scan.