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DEXA, which stands for Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, is one of the most accurate methods for analysing the amount and distribution of body fat, bone and lean muscle mass.
If changing your body composition (your ratio of muscle to fat) is your goal, a DEXA scan can give you valuable information beyond regular scales. Results can be used to track not only changes in weight but how much fat you are losing/gaining compared to your total muscle mass.
Most of the fat on our body is subcutaneous fat, stored under the skin surface.
Visceral fat is hidden, stored deep inside your body around internal organs including the heart, liver and intestines. Visceral fat can be harmful to your health as it produces chemicals and hormones and can trigger inflammation. Having too much visceral belly fat has been shown to increase your risk of a number of chronic health conditions including heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and some types of cancer.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, you cannot see or feel visceral fat. DEXA is one of the most reliable methods for measuring hidden visceral fat.
A initial DEXA scan appointment will usually take around 30 minutes, and a follow-up DEXA scan appointment will take around 15 minutes.
We recommend wearing loose, light, comfortable clothing (no denim or metal e.g. studs, belt buckles, underwire bra).
The DEXA scan uses very low energy x-ray, less than most common diagnostic x-rays. The exposure from Oracle Healthcare’s DEXA scan is equivalent to 0.1μSv.
Whilst radiation levels are very low, DEXA scans and X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women as significant body composition changes during pregnancy remove the usefulness of the results.
For maximum accuracy and repeatability, we recommend food fasting for 8 hours prior to your appointment if possible. You may drink fluids as normal.
Yes you can exercise before a DEXA scan.
No referral is required for a body composition DEXA scan, however please note referrals are required for DEXA bone density scans.
No, unfortunately DEXA body composition scans are not yet covered by Medicare. We recommend you contact your individual private healthcare provider to check your policy inclusions.
For more information about DEXA body composition scans, or to find the right health assessment package for you or your team, call us on +61 2 8866 2222, or fill out the form below and one of our friendly experts will be in touch.