DEXA Scan – a Valuable Tool

I think most runners, or really anyone who’s into fitness, are always looking to learn more about their bodies – “knowledge is power,” as the saying goes. So, when I was invited to have a DEXA scan done, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

What is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scan measures bone, fat, and muscle in your body. The scan involves passing two very low dose x-ray beams at differing energy levels through the tissues of the body. The rays are absorbed differently by your body’s bone, fat, and muscle, allowing the scanner to measure your body composition.  In a matter of a few minutes, DEXA Scan not only measures both the percentage and distribution of your body fat and lean muscle, but also your bone weight and density.

The scan itself was so simple – just wear comfortable clothing with no metal (zippers, underwire, buckles) and lie still on the table for 7-8 minutes while the scanning arm passes over you and boom you’re done. Easy peasy. And, best of all the information from the scan is instantly available, so most of my visit was spent reviewing the results.

What did I learn?

I will admit going into the scan my one concern was what would be my visceral fat level. Since turning 50 I’ve developed a little belly that I’m none too fond of, and I wanted to make sure visceral fat wasn’t playing a starring role! I’m happy to say that while I do have a little visceral fat, it is far from the danger level and not around any of my key organs – relief!

Other things I learned:

  • My bone density is seriously rock-solid – like almost off the chart! And, my 10-year probability for a hip fracture is just 0.1%.
  • While my body fat % is in the “normal range” I’d like to see it a little lower.
  • I’ve got some clear muscle imbalance with more mass on my right side (both arms and legs) than on my left. Given that muscle imbalance can lead to injury, this was just more of a reminder to be consistent with my strength training.

In reviewing the results it is clear that additional value comes from looking at the data trend over time – I’m planning to return in 6 months for another scan. By that time I’ll be in the thick of marathon training and will be really interested in seeing how both that training and the work leading up to that training cycle will have on my body composition.

Ever had a body composition scan? Learn about my experience with DEXA Scan. #fitness #dexascan #runnerslife #health Click To Tweet

Overall the DEXA scan provides a good deal of valuable information, and is a great tool to have as a runner/athlete focused on improving your muscle mass, or if you’re interested in losing weight, or just as another piece of the puzzle in your overall health.

I visited Cenegenics Elite Health in Boston for my scan. You can click here to find a location near you.

Have you ever had a body composition scan?

I’m linking up with Kim & Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Comments

  1. I feel like this scan can be such a great tool to runners, especially when learning about imbalances.

    I am really interested in getting a scan. I’m going to see if there are any facilities near me that do it – thanks for sharing!
    Kim G recently posted…Tuesday Topics: What I Love About RunningMy Profile

  2. Oh, really interesting! I’d never heard of this before. This sounds like useful information, especially about the imbalances. Though I’m afraid to see what my body fat percentage is, I know it’s on the too high side.
    Chaitali recently posted…Weekly ReviewMy Profile

  3. Wasn’t it enlightening? I went a couple of months ago and it inspired me to focus on my weak medial glutes. Knowledge is power! Hooray for superior bone density!
    Marcia recently posted…Tokyo Marathon Training Week 14: Let’s Taper!My Profile

  4. Very cool! I was hoping to get the scan but I think the one nearest me is under construction or something haha! It must be comforting to know your bones are rock solid! I’m so intrigued!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…How to Make a Runner Feel LovedMy Profile

  5. I have never even heard of a DEXA scan but after reading your post, I would sure like to give it a try! That is very valuable information for your health now and for keeping everything in line down the road. Thank you for hosting this week!
    Amy @ She Runs By Faith recently posted…Finally Forced OutsideMy Profile

  6. I am interested in this scan! Marcia also wrote about her experience and that sparked my interest.

  7. I would love to have the chance to try this out as well. It’s great that you learned that your bone density is solid. I would be worried about my little belly situation as well
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…February Ultimate Coffee Date & GiveawayMy Profile

  8. These DEXA scans are so cool. I recently researched the price range here in Beijing where I live, and they are super expensive. Guess it is not very popular here and the demand is lower than in other places.
    Marcus@strengthery recently posted…Alignmed Vs Intelliskin – Which Shirt Is Best For You?My Profile

  9. Fascinating, and well done on the solid bones! I’ve been thinking this is something they should offer all women over the age of 40 or 50 when there’s time to check the risk of osteoporosis etc.
    Liz Dexter recently posted…Sedate lady running 04-10 February 2019 #amrunning #running #FebruaryFiveMy Profile

  10. I would love this. Haven’t heard of a facility in Botswana but they probably have one in South Africa. I’ll search for it as this is such valuable information to have. Sounds like you are really healthy lady! But on that last point, a good reminder to keep up with your strength training. Thanks for sharing.
    Shathiso recently posted…Five Great Lessons From SowetoMy Profile

  11. I just did one of these too and was pleasantly surprised with the results! It’s something that I would think would be neat to do once a year to just to compare any progress.
    Jenny recently posted…How To Boost Your Energy, NaturallyMy Profile

  12. Never had one but it’s seens worthwhile.

    That’s great news about bone density.

  13. This is super interesting! I would be very interested to have my bone density checked because my mom has had some trouble with breaking lots of bones as she has aged.
    Jen recently posted…What Inspires You Wednesday-KatyMy Profile

  14. Very cool! I’ve never had a body scan or anything remotely close, but ti sounds like you got tons of great data.

    Love that your bone density is so rock solid! That’s so important!
    Jenn recently posted…wrapping up the monthMy Profile

  15. Wasn’t it so interesting?

    I loved the information I received from my scan and in fact, purchased another one for a year from then. I am a little distressed with the menopot that is developing around my midsection, so it will be interesting to see where it’s at.
    Wendy recently posted…Book Review: Good to Go by Christie AshwandenMy Profile

  16. This is the best scan methods that are helpful in diagnosing problems in the body. Really helpful tool for modern medicine.
    BMD scan recently posted…The Women’s Imaging Centre – 10 year AnniversaryMy Profile

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