Why is Dexa scan better?
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A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan has been recommended by and guest Dr. Peter Attia on the because it is a highly accurate method for measuring body composition, including bone mineral content, fat, and lean body mass. Compared to other methods such as calipers or buoyancy testing, a DEXA scan, which uses X-ray technology, can provide a far better estimate of body fat and is considered the gold standard for these types of measurements outside of research-exclusive methods like MRI 1.
Not only does it give information about body fat, but it also provides valuable insights into bone health, something that is particularly crucial for women approaching or going through menopause due to the potential risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The DEXA scan measures bone mineral density and can produce a Z score, which shows how one’s bone density compares to their age and sex, allowing for early intervention and prevention which is significant to long-term health 2.
Furthermore, Dr. Attia specifies that DEXA scans can tell more about one's health than body fat percentage alone, underlining the importance of bone mineral density, visceral fat, and lean mass indexes, which are significant metrics for understanding overall health and risk factors 2.
The usefulness of the DEXA scan is emphasized because it provides a clear picture of health that goes far beyond just body weight or muscle mass; it offers a comprehensive view of body composition and bone health which other methods do not 1 2.
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