""When I did a body composition test at 36, I had way more body fat than I expected," Cheema says. "That pushed me to change my workouts and eating patterns in ways that improved my health-something BMI alone wouldn't have prompted.""
""It can be overwhelming if you don't have a clinician to interpret the results," Gidwani says. "That's why I review all of my patients' scans with them.""
""I don't think DEXA gives too much information compared to, say, a whole-body MRI, which can reveal incidental findings that can cause anxiety and lead to unnecessary interventions," says Gidwani. "Its data points are actionable: decrease body fat, reduce visceral fat, increase muscle.""
DEXA provides measurable body-composition data including visceral adipose tissue, total body fat percentage, and regional breakdowns by arms, legs, and trunk. Radiation exposure from DEXA is negligible, lower than a chest x-ray. Strong results may justify a five-year interval before repeating a scan; lower results often prompt lifestyle interventions and a recheck within a year. Body-composition feedback can motivate healthier behavior for some individuals but can destabilize those with disordered eating or body-image issues. Clinical interpretation helps ensure information is actionable and not overwhelming. DEXA is also used for bone-density screening in older adults and perimenopausal women.
Read at WIRED
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