Everyone must understand the state of our bones and body composition to pursue fitness and ensure dietary optimization. The Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that details bone density, lean muscle mass, and body fat percentage. Let us delve deeper and learn more about a DEXA scan, its significance, and its role in guiding all individuals toward optimal well-being and health.
What is DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan refers to a medical imaging test that uses low X-rays to measure bone density. Medical experts consider DEXA scans the most inexpensive tests to diagnose osteoporosis. Moreover, this particular text is quick and painless.
The noninvasive body composition test involves using two different X-ray beams. These beams pass through the body across different energy levels that help measure the following:
- Body Fat
- Lean Muscle Mass
- Risk of Hip Fracture
- Spinal Bone Density
- Total Body Bone Density
How Does DEXA Scan Work?
A DEXA scan measures the mineral content in human bones, like the hip or the wrist. Here is how DEXA works:
- The patient must lie on a DEXA X-ray table. The technologist will help position the patient. They may also use positioning devices, like foam blocks, to hold the required position.
- The DEXA machine has an arm which passes over the body. The process happens with the help of two different X-ray beams. The beams use little radiation to ensure a safe test. It also helps distinguish bones from other tissues.
- There is a scanner that translates the bone density data into different graphs and pictures. You can see the bone in white easily on the monitor screen. At the same time, the muscle tissue and fats look like shadows in the background.
- A radiologist or other physician reviews and interprets the results. The professionals have prior training in DEXA interpretations.
- The healthcare provider gets a copy of the written report. They may discuss the same with you to consider the appropriate treatment for your health.
Who is Eligible for DEXA Scans?
Healthcare providers consider several factors when they analyze who may benefit from a DEXA scan. They often recommend this test to assess bone health for fracture risk and osteoporosis. It usually helps if you are older than 50 or have had a broken bone.
Reports suggest that women start losing bone mass earlier than men. So, healthcare providers recommend women get a DEXA scan at younger ages. They also deem the following individuals eligible for the scanning process:
- Age: Many individuals lose bone mass when they reach an older age. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends aged 65 (women) and 70 (men) to get a DEXA scan.
- Family History: You could be at a higher risk for bone loss if any of your family members have had osteoporosis or fractures.
- Previous Injuries: Breaking a bone may be a sign that you have a chance of getting the scan. Your bones become weak as you grow older, and injuries often worsen the conditions.
- Medications: A few medications, like cancer drugs and steroid prednisone, cancer drugs can weaken your bones. The same goes for drugs used after any organ transplants.
- Health Conditions: Several chronic medical disorders can make your bones weak. Risky conditions include lupus, liver disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney disease.
Leveraging DEXA Scans to Optimize Diet and Fitness Routines
DEXA test is one of the most commonly used technologies for fitness. It also accounts for the most reliable technologies for fitness purposes. Fitness enthusiasts must definitely seek help from DEXA scans. They provide the perfect measurements associated with body fat percentages. These scans can also detect body fat distribution by various segments, which is a plus point over other health tests. So, you can easily know your body fat percentage in the waist, legs, arms, and hips with such tests. Hence, if you are looking for the perfect workout routine for yourself, DEXA is there to help you with your needs.
You can get an initial assessment of your entire body composition with the help of a DEXA test. It lets you know how the lean and fat tissues change with time. This knowledge can further help you determine the impact that any dietary program or training has on your body. It can also help you understand how to target your training program to meet your bodily requirements. Then, you can understand which areas of your body to target with the specific program. Hence, you can accomplish your personal goals for fitness faster with the help of an effective DEXA scan.
Benefits of DEXA Scan
DEXA scans offer insights to help you make informed decisions about your health and fitness routines. They offer several benefits for your fitness that everyone must know:
- Assess Bone Health
DEXA scans evaluate your body’s bone mineral density (BMD) and also diagnose osteoporosis. These tests can help identify individuals at risk of fractures by analyzing their BMD. It helps healthcare providers guide preventive measures and treatments for fitness enthusiasts.
- Monitor Body Composition
You can get detailed information about your body fat percentage and lean muscle mass with the help of a DEXA test. This knowledge helps you design your personalized fitness and nutrition plans. The test scan also helps you understand your unique physiological makeup.
- Personalize Health Strategies
DEXA gives personalized data regarding your health updates unlike any other health test. You get concrete information from the same. Such tests also allow fitness trainers and nutritionists to customize their advice and recommendations. Professionals can also develop targeted interventions with detailed insights into bone health and body composition. Examples include customized exercise programs and dietary plans that help minimize the risk of injuries and optimize bone health.
- Early Detection
Early detection leads to better outcomes and timely interventions. That is why you must undergo health tests on time. A DEXA scan can detect subtle changes in your body composition and bone density. The process allows early identification of some potential problems.
- Track Long-Term Progress
DEXA scans enable you to track your long-term progress accurately. You can evaluate the effectiveness of your health and fitness strategies by comparing scans at different intervals. It will help you make data-driven decisions about several lifestyle adjustments.
How to Prepare for DEXA Scan?
Most people need not change their daily routine before getting a DEXA scan. You can eat, drink or take different medication types. However, your healthcare provider may tell you otherwise if needed. You may also fill out a questionnaire with your current health details, including your family history of fractures. It may also ask questions about your smoking history, including current medications.
You can also follow these steps apart from the above considerations:
- Do not take calcium supplements at least 24 hours before the DEXA test.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and ensure there is no metal on your body.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant to avoid radiation exposure.
Wrapping Up!
DEXA scans help target your workout plans by giving you an insight into your fitness and healthcare goals. They can also help you track the exact progress in your current workout plan to achieve your fitness goals with ease.
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