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General Information
What is a Dexa scan?
Dexa stands for Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry. This is a unique examination where a very low dose Xray is passed through the entire body. The detector then measures reflections of the Xray and accurately measures the composition of the body.
What is this used for?
Dexa Scan is used to determine Bone Mineral Density, in order to diagnose Osteoporosis. The other common use of this technology is to assess body fat percentage.
What are the risks?
You will be exposed to a small dose of radiation. However, it is generally negligible and is usually considered safe.
Body fat assessment:
How is it done?
The most accurate method of measuring body fat is through a dedicated DEXA machine. The machine uses low-dose radiation to depict an accurate body fat percentage along with distribution of fat. It is the gold standard in body fat measurement.
Why measured body fat?
Body fat measurement remains as the most sensitive and accurate method of assessing an individual’s level of risk associated with increased body fat. Unlike body mass index measurement (BMI), body fat measurement provides an accurate picture of the amount and distribution of body fat. Body mass index measurement uses body weight to determine if a person is overweight or not. This can sometimes be inaccurate. For example, individuals who carry a large muscle mass may have a higher than normal body mass index. However, this is not an accurate reflection of their overall health.
An increased body fat is associated with a number of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, cerebral vascular disease such as stroke, diabetes, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease. Increased weight puts additional strain on joints and often causes chronic pain issues such as back pain, hip pain, knee pain etc.
Our specialists have extensive knowledge and background in sports and exercise physiology as well as body weight management. Our state-of-the-art DEXA machine can accurately assess your body fat percentage. Based on this information, our specialists are able to recommend specific body fat management regimens that are based on scientific evidence and have been proven to be more effective and long lasting than conventional weight loss programs.
Please contact us make your next appointment.