A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is an advanced imaging procedure for measuring bone density and composition. DEXA scans utilize two different energy levels of low-dose X-ray beams—one absorbed mostly by soft tissue, and the other absorbed mainly by bone—to differentiate between bone, fat, and lean tissue. In so doing, they provide noninvasive and detailed information about bone health, risk of osteoporosis or fractures, and body composition. While medical practioners typically perform DEXA scans on the lower spine and hips, they can also perform DEXA scans on the whole body for the purposes of early detection and intervention.

In our multi-part DEXA series, we go deep into DEXA scans: what they measure, how to interpret them, and how to use information from your own DEXA scan for healthspan optimization. Part I covers fundamental concepts related to body composition and its evaluation, current tools available for measuring body composition as well as their strengths and limitations, and Matt's personal experiences with DEXA scans.

Check out the links below for further information and/or reading about some of the things we discussed in this podcast episode. Note that we do not necessarily endorse or agree with the content of these readings, but present them as supplementary material that may deepen your understanding of the topic after you listen to our podcast. This list is in no way exhaustive, but it’s a good start!

Optispan uses the BodySpec DEXA scan in its concierge and corporate offerings.

What Is a DEXA Scan and How Can It Help You?

This is an introduction to DEXA scans that covers the history of DEXA scans, how DEXA scans work, what happens during a DEXA scan, and how DEXA scans compare to imaging techniques such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and x-rays.

DEXA FAQ

This list of FAQs covers many questions people have about DEXA scans, including how much radiation exposure we receive from DEXA scans, height and weight limits, the safety of DEXA scans for pregnant wome, and more.

Unexpected DEXA Scan Results? Here are Some Potential Causes

You may have gotten your DEXA scan results back and balked at what you saw. This list addresses some possible reasons for DEXA scan surprises.

Role of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Aging

This paper reviews and summarizes evidence suggesting that visceral fat accumulation and abdominal obesity predict high disease and mortality risk. It describes studies demonstrating that visceral fat removal from rats extends lifespan, and discusses the potential role visceral fat plays in the lifespan-extending effects of caloric restriction. It also reviews several treatment strategies for tackling visceral fat such as leptin administration.

Visceral Fat Is an Independent Predictor of All-cause Mortality in Men

In this study, researchers found that visceral fat, abdominal subcutaneous fat, liver fat, and waist circumference were all associated with a higher death risk for men, and that visceral fat was the sole mortality risk predictor among the four after adjusting for other measures of fat.