What is Body Composition

In simple terms, the body is made of 3 tissue types – lean dense muscle mass, body fat, and bone. Even though two people can have similar weight they can have drastically different body shape and health status because of different proportions of these tissue types. Body composition analysis measures the amount of lean dense tissue and body fat to determine one’s overall health status.

What Body Composition is Important

Because the 3 types of body tissues have different metabolic activity, the relative amounts of each have an impact on one’s health. In general, a greater percentage of lean muscle mass is associated with better health.

What is a DEXA scan?

Traditionally, body composition has been measured using calipers on skin folds or body weight in water. These techniques provide only a gross approximation of total body composition. DEXA uses a very low dose dual X-Ray full body scan that measures the actual amount of the three tissue types – bone, muscle and fat. By measuring the different tissue densities DEXA can provide total fat, mineral and lean tissue mass in 6 symmetrical regions of the body. Bone mineral content is also provided for 10 regions of the body. The results are very accurate and specific for you.

What parts of the body are measured?

The scan the entire body and provides the total mass of all 3 tissues types in 6 regions of the body – (Right/Left arm, Trunk, R/L Leg, Head). In addition, bone mineral content (BMC) is provided in 10 regions – (R/L Arm, R/L Ribs, Thoracic/Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, R/L Leg, Head).Is it Safe?Yes. The procedure requires the person to lay supine for 15 minutes while the DEXA system scans the body. The total radiation exposure during the procedure is negligible at ~0.04  mrem. For reference, 1 mrem equals normal background radiation in one day.

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