Dexa Scans

[Cantbearsedatall]

Has anyone had a Dexa scan to check body fat and other metrics? I’ve booked to have one and I’m so nervous as all the posts and reviews I’ve read have been from those looking to improve various exercise metrics etc and I feel embarrassed to even walk into the place as I have a BMI of 32 . Anyone been to have one and if so. What are these places actually like?

A DEXA scan measures your bone density and risk of osteoporosis, not body fat- maybe the clinic you are going to does an all round health check including body fat? DEXA scans use x- rays albeit a very low dose so shouldn’t be performed unless there is a valid reason.

Hi @Cantbearsedatall i know time has passed but I’m wondering how you got on if you went ahead with the dexa scan? I’m also thinking of booking one currently. My main interest is visceral fat to kickstart a health programme but I’m not sure whether to include the bone scan too. From what I understand you need separate scans for visceral fat/body composition and bone density, but the body comp one alone can give a rough (non diagnostic) indicator for bone density. I’ve looked at a few companies but found Bodyscan uk had a good description of what actually happens practically.

I’m interested in this too. I’m not sure what exactly to request/book.

I’m not worried about bone density.

Dexa scans do measure body fat in addition to bone density. You lie v still on a table and the scanner goes over you. You can wear clothes but nothing metal so no Jewelry or underwired bras. Takes about 10 minutes. They will either send you a report or go through it with you. The scan is the same for both so if they are only allowed for bone density then I guess you ask for that and ask them to tell you the body fat stats as well.

I went to BodyScan in London to do this sort of scan a few years ago and again more recently. I got fat and muscle mass and bone mass scores and also an indication of where I stored fat (apple/pear tendency). For me it was very helpful. It showed for me (as an example) that I am muscular and legitimately not light, but a bit of an apple in terms of fat storage pattern, so best to keep fat mass on lower side. Anyway for me it just guided me on what weight was sensible for my health and why!

To clarify on the bone scan issue, DEXA isn’t just for bone density but this scan is a bit different to bone-mass focused DEXA - it gives a good indication but if it showed apparent issues (v low bone mass) you would want to follow up with a targeted bone scan.