What Does a DEXA Scan Measure?

A DEXA scan, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scan, is one of the most advanced tools available for analyzing your body composition. While traditional methods like scales and BMI calculations provide limited insights, a DEXA scan breaks down your body’s makeup in extraordinary detail. Here’s what makes a DEXA scan an invaluable resource for health-conscious individuals.

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DEXA Scans Measure 5 Main Categories

1. Body Fat Percentage

Your body fat percentage is a crucial metric for understanding your health and fitness. A DEXA scan doesn’t just give you an overall percentage—it also shows how fat is distributed across different regions of your body, such as your arms, legs, and torso. This precise breakdown helps you identify areas where fat loss efforts might need more focus.

2. Lean Muscle Mass

If you’re strength training, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to maintain muscle as you age, tracking your lean muscle mass is vital. A DEXA scan provides a detailed assessment of your muscle mass in each part of your body, allowing you to monitor growth or maintenance over time.

3. Bone Density

Bone health is often overlooked until problems arise. A DEXA scan measures your bone mineral density, helping to detect early signs of osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions. This is especially important for older adults, postmenopausal women, or athletes prone to stress fractures.

4. Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is the fat stored in and around your internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which sits under the skin, visceral fat is a critical indicator of metabolic health and is linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. A DEXA scan identifies and quantifies visceral fat, providing actionable insights to reduce health risks. Visceral fat is a key metric related to longevity.

5. Regional Body Composition

A unique advantage of a DEXA scan is its ability to analyze body composition in specific areas. For example, you can see the muscle-to-fat ratio in your arms versus your legs, which can guide targeted fitness strategies.

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Why Are These Measurements Important?

Understanding these aspects of your body composition goes beyond aesthetics. They provide a holistic view of your health, allowing you to:

• Set realistic and data-driven fitness goals
• Monitor changes over time using objective data to ensure accurate and reliable progress
• Address potential health risks early, such as low bone density or high visceral fat
• A/B test different training and nutrition strategies to determine what is best for your body

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Who Can Benefit From a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan is ideal for:

• Athletes looking to optimize performance
• Fitness enthusiasts tracking muscle gain or fat loss
• Individuals managing chronic health conditions like obesity or osteoporosis
• Anyone aiming for healthier living through informed decisions about diet and exercise
• Anyone looking to improve their body composition and objectively measure progress

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Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today!

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at KALOS. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there. Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.