A DEXA (or DXA) scan does two jobs at once: it measures regional body composition and bone mineral density. Both are worth tracking — and both are frequently misread when people look only at the headline number.
What DEXA measures
Low-dose X-rays at two energies distinguish bone, lean tissue, and fat. The report typically includes total and regional body fat, lean mass, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimate, and bone mineral density at key sites (hip, spine).
What the numbers mean
Body composition is best interpreted against your own baseline — muscle-gain and fat-loss trajectories are what matter. For bone density, the T-score compares you to young-adult norms: T-score above −1.0 is typically normal, −1.0 to −2.5 is osteopenia, and −2.5 or below meets the osteoporosis threshold. The Z-score compares you to age-matched peers and is more relevant for younger adults.
Why trend matters more than any single reading
Body composition shifts slowly; bone density shifts even more slowly. A single DEXA is a useful baseline. Two scans 12–24 months apart can show whether training, nutrition, or therapy is working. Same scanner, same protocol, similar hydration — precision matters for comparability.
What can move it
Resistance training, adequate protein, and hormonal health drive lean mass. Bone density responds to weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, vitamin D and calcium status, and — in some cases — medications or hormone therapy. Many lifestyle and medical factors interact here; a clinician's read matters.
How VisitRecall tracks it
Preserve scan PDFs, surface changes across scans, and keep the context of visits where the scan was discussed. See document scanner, lab tracking, and the longevity hub.
FAQ
Is the radiation dose a concern?
DEXA is a very low-dose scan — far less than a chest X-ray. Most clinicians consider the benefit/risk favorable for routine use in appropriate candidates.
How often should I repeat it?
Body composition: often every 6–12 months if actively training. Bone density: depends on age and risk — often every 1–2 years if being monitored.
Does a high VAT reading mean I need medication?
Not by itself. It's context for a broader conversation about metabolic risk.
