DEXA Scan
The gold standard for measuring visceral fat, muscle mass, and bone density
Definition
DEXA Scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the non-invasive imaging test that precisely measures body composition in three compartments: total and regional fat mass (including abdominal visceral fat), lean mass (muscle), and bone mass (bone mineral density). It uses two low-energy X-ray beams of different wavelengths; radiation dose is minimal (1-10 μSv, equivalent to a few hours of natural exposure). It is the clinical reference standard for diagnosis of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and metabolic obesity.
Detailed explanation
Key metrics from a well-interpreted DEXA:
Total body fat %: healthy ranges 10-22% men, 18-32% women. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT): <100 cm² optimal; >130 cm² high cardiovascular and diabetic risk. Appendicular lean mass index (ALM/height²): <7.0 kg/m² men and <5.5 kg/m² women define sarcopenia. T-score and Z-score of bone mineral density at femoral neck, lumbar spine, and radius. Muscle asymmetry (dominant vs non-dominant side): useful in post-injury assessment.
In longevity medicine, DEXA is complemented with segmental bioimpedance (InBody, Tanita MC-980) for more frequent follow-up, but DEXA remains the gold standard for annual baseline and biannual reassessments. It enables detection of subclinical muscle loss (preclinical sarcopenia) years before functional manifestation.
The correlation between DEXA-measured visceral fat and metabolic biomarkers (HOMA-IR, ApoB, hsCRP) is robust. Visceral fat loss is one of the central goals of any longevity intervention — more so than total weight loss. In Spain, DEXA is widely available in hospitals and private clinics; typical price €80-150.
Scientific sources
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