If you have health issues, Revitalize Medical Solutions can run a DEXA scan to point you in the right direction. If you live in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, you can visit our office and find the right treatment for you. As this kind of technology becomes more popular, people might wonder how it works and if it is really safe.
These are the questions we are aiming to answer through this article.
Key Takeaways
- DEXA scans use X-rays to evaluate body composition, including bone, muscle, and fat density and distribution.
- The findings can be used to assess overall health and establish personalized fitness goals.
- DEXA scans have been around for 30 years, but they have only been improved lately to check body composition.
- The machine radiation emission is low and safe for most people but should be avoided by pregnant women.
What Is A DEXA Scan?
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as DXA. It is a quick, painless test that can accurately assess your body composition. The exam can give a full report on bone, fat, and muscle distribution, including:
- Full body bone density
- SMM (Skeletal Muscle Mass) and percentage
- Resting metabolic rate
- Total body fat percentage
- Fat and fat-free mass index
- Android to gynoid proportion
- VAT (Visceral Adipose Tissue)
This valuable information is then analyzed by a specialist who can report their findings and give you an assessment of your health. They can then establish goals for dieting, supplements, and exercise.
Is DEXA A New Technology?
You might have heard of DEXA scans for weight management, as they have become more popular in recent years. However, this technology has been widely used for over 30 years to check bone density. Thanks to some improvements, the results have only recently been used to measure body composition.
One advantage of this type of checkup is that it can detect fat percentages in different parts of the body, including organs. That’s why wellness experts are using it more and more to determine overall health. They can use the results to help people set personalized goals and reach their full potential.
Is DEXA Scan Safe?
DEXA scans work by passing a low-dose electromagnetic energy through the patient’s body. The radiation emission is low and can be compared, for example, to a dental X-ray or a transatlantic flight. The benefits of the scan, with the amount of useful information it provides, greatly outweigh the risks.
However, pregnant women should not be exposed to any form of radiation. If you are pregnant, you need to notify your provider. Even if the dose of energy used in the exam is innocuous for almost everyone, it can be harmful for the unborn.
Book Your Scan Today!
If you are ready to see what your DEXA scan looks like, contact Revitalize Medical Solutions. We are located near Salt Lake City, UT, and we serve the surrounding areas, including Cedar Hills. We are excited to assist you in your journey towards health optimization!
