Body Comp for Life

The whole body DXA / DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a simple, safe, high resolution Scan that is not only the leading method of determining  bone mineral density (BMD), but also accurately assesses body composition with Body Composition Analysis (BCA).

BCA software is used to measure both your lean body mass (muscle) and fat mass.

This is useful in the treatment and management of conditions where the relative amount of fat and lean tissue is affected, such as Obesity, Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass), wasting in chronic illnesses, Frailty with age, chronic renal failure, Anorexia nervosa, HIV etc.

A further application is the assessment of Visceral adipose tissue (VAT). VAT is the fat surrounding your abdominal organs and in excess leads to a higher risk metabolic syndrome, inflammation, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, heart-disease and various cancers.

VAT assessment is possible as high-resolution whole-body DXA can now recognise the anatomical fat compartments of subcutaneous ring, the inner abdominal muscle

wall and the visceral cavity. Software algorithms identify these anatomical regions and derive your total abdominal fat, subcutaneous fat, and Visceral fat, in both males and females.

DXA can also measure your total and regional changes in fat, lean tissue and bone over time or with management of the condition, as a simple follow-up scan(s).

A variety of medications can increase bone loss, muscle loss and fall (fracture) risk. These include:

• Steroids such as Cortisone, Prednisone
• Cancer medications including those for Breast Cancer and Prostate Cance
• “Heartburn” medications.
• Contraceptives such as Depo-Provera.
• Excessive Thyroid Hormone Replacement.
• Anti-seizure and Mood-altering medications.
• Certain Blood Pressure medications.