Are you curious about what’s really happening inside your body beyond what the scale tells you? A groundbreaking study published just this week in the British Journal of Radiology reveals important information about how we measure body composition – and why it matters for your health.
Understanding Your Body Better Than Ever Before
The study by Oh and colleagues (April 2025) compared DXA scanning with CT technology to measure fat and muscle distribution throughout the body. DXA scanning offers several advantages that make it particularly valuable for patients:
- Low radiation exposure — DXA uses just a fraction of the radiation of a CT scan
- Quick and painless — The entire scan takes just 5-10 minutes
- Comprehensive information — One scan shows bone density, fat distribution, and muscle mass
Why Should You Consider a DXA Scan?
Unlike traditional weight measurements or BMI calculations, a DXA scan reveals exactly where fat is stored in your body. This matters because:
- Fat around your organs (visceral fat) presents different health risks than fat under the skin
- Muscle mass often decreases with age, affecting metabolism and strength
- Small changes in body composition can occur before the scale shows any difference
This recent research confirms DXA scanning as an excellent tool for tracking these important health metrics.
Beyond Weight Management
DXA scans provide critical information for numerous health conditions:
- Metabolic health — Identifies dangerous visceral fat that standard measurements miss
- Fitness progress — Shows if exercise is building muscle even when weight stays constant
- Aging-related changes — Tracks muscle loss that can affect balance and mobility
- Treatment monitoring — Provides objective measurements to evaluate effectiveness
What to Expect
During a DXA scan, you simply lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over your body. You’ll remain fully clothed (without metal objects), and the entire process takes minutes. The detailed report shows exactly where fat and muscle are distributed throughout your body.
Take Action Today
The new research by Oh and colleagues emphasizes the value of this technology for personalized health assessment. By understanding your unique body composition, you and your healthcare provider can develop targeted strategies for improving your health.
Ask about scheduling a DXA scan at your next appointment. This simple, low-radiation procedure provides invaluable information about your health that goes far beyond what any scale can tell you.
Reference: Oh J, Chae HD, Yoo HJ, Choi JY, Hong SH. Direct Regional Comparison of Whole-Body DXA and Whole-Body CT Measurements of Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass in Limbs and Abdomen. British Journal of Radiology. 2025 Apr 8.
