What is the DEXA scan?
Get an in-depth body composition analysis with this scan that provides valuable information about your lean and fat mass, and what each means for your overall wellness. Using dual x-ray technology, the DEXA Scan provides comprehensive, precise measurements of total body fat percentage, along with segmental body fat distribution in regions such as arms, legs, android (waist), gynoid (hips), as well as visceral fat. This scan can be used by anyone to track the impact and efficacy of their diet or exercise regimen. Test with Fitnescity to proactively pinpoint problems and track progress over time with their nationwide network of test partners and personalized digital dashboard.
What does the DEXA Scan measure?
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Fat Mass
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Lean Mass
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Visceral Fat
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Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
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Body fat distribution (arms, legs, waist and hips)
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BMI
Who is the DEXA scan for?
DEXA is the gold standard for understanding body composition. Doctors are increasingly viewing weight as a poor measure of health. DEXA can assess health status and risks more accurately by focusing on muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat, and bone density.
Here are a few reasons you might want to complete a DEXA Scan in Nashville:
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Weight management
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Preventing muscle loss when losing weight.
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Monitoring fat loss and potential muscle loss.
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Improving your training or diet.
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Monitoring visceral fat for preventative health.
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Preparing for a competition.
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Monitoring Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Visceral Fat.
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Improving longevity.
What results will I receive?
You will receive an email from Fitnescity within two business days with a login for your personal online results dashboard where you will find your results including interpretation and anthropometric data.
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Your results will include your total body fat mass, total non-fat mass, bone mass, regional body fat and non-fat mass distribution (trunk, arms, legs and android/gynoid regions) and generalized bone mineral density.
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Unless noted otherwise, the results will also include a Visceral Fat/Abdominal Fat (VAT) reading.
Please note that DEXA scans do subject you to small amounts of radiation. A whole body scan produces a level of radiation equivalent to flying by airplane from New York to California.
Do I need a prescription for a DEXA scan in Nashville?
Tennessee state does require a prescription, even if you are completing the DEXA scan for preventative reasons. The great news is that Fitnescity handles orders when the DEXA scan provider requires one. Fitnescity works with a national network of board-certified physicians to coordinate the process remotely when you purchase a scan through Fitnescity. Once you finalize scheduling for your DEXA scan appointment, you will notice a link to complete a form which will be sent to Fitnescity’s independent network of referring doctors. This allows you to get an order without taking time off work to obtain one or paying fees to visit your doctor.
What is the test protocol?
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Fasting for four hours prior to scan is recommended, but not required.
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Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym attire. Do not wear any items with metal or hard plastic, such as buttons or zippers and inform the technician if you have metal in your body.
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Please note that DEXA scans do subject you to small amounts of radiation. A whole body scan produces a level of radiation equivalent to flying by airplane from New York to California.
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If you believe you may be pregnant, please refrain from doing the DEXA scan.
What happens during the appointment?
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The test administrator will record your height and weight, either by asking you directly or measuring on site. Note that DEXA machine will determine actual weight.
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The scan will last for about 10-20 minutes; the appointment for about 45 minutes.
*Please inform us if you are over 300lbs or over 6’3 tall as some DEXA machines have size restrictions.
Is the DEXA scan safe?
One of the biggest concerns that people have about DEXA scans is safety in terms of radiation. You’ll be pleased to know that the DEXA scan is safe. This type of scan uses a significantly lower level of radiation than standard X-rays. In fact, this noninvasive scan involves minimum radiation, which is comparable to flying from New York City to Los Angeles.
Although DEXA scan is painless, noninvasive, and generally safe, it’s not suitable for everyone. People under the age of 18 years shouldn’t get a DEXA scan. The scan isn’t suitable for pregnant women and people who are unable to stay still for 10 to 15 minutes.
Will I be able to understand my DEXA scan results?
Interpreting DEXA scan results is easier than you think. When you do a DEXA scan with Fitnescity, you get access to your dashboard. There, you can see your result and what the values represent. Your dashboard also shows how you compare to other people of the same age or gender.
Fitnescity also gives you the option to speak 1:1 with a physician, should you have any questions about your results and how you can use them.
Your dashboard shows all results in detail and describes what they mean. That way you gain insight into your health status and what lifestyle modifications to implement for better values next time.
How often should I complete a DEXA scan?
How often you should complete a DEXA scan depends on your goals, but every two to six months is useful for people who want to measure their body composition with emphasis on adipose tissue. The most practical approach is to get a package at Fitnescity so you can hold yourself accountable. You also want to complete your DEXA scan at the same Nashville location for increased test-to-test repeatability.
When it comes to bone density, you may need to do a DEXA scan every two to five years or sooner, depending on bone density risk factors and age.
What other tests can I do?
The RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) Test measures the number of calories required by the body to maintain basic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, temperature regulation, and brain activity. This number varies widely from a person to another. A standard Fitnescity RMR Test involves using a metabolic cart and indirect calorimetry, the clinically recommended and industry reference standard of testing, to measure the number of calories burned per day at rest. Whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain weight, this information is highly valuable for designing a personalized weight management program.
The VO2 Max Test measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body is able to uptake during exercise and is considered the gold standard of assessing cardiovascular fitness. A standard VO2 Max test with Fitnescity involves wearing a respiratory mask connected to an indirect calorimetric metabolic cart and heart rate monitor while running or cycling at a progressively increasing speed or resistance until unable to continue. Measuring your VO2 Max can not only help gauge your level of cardiac fitness but improve the efficacy of training by more accurately determining training zones.
How much does the DEXA scan cost?
When completed under the right conditions, DEXA typically costs $100-250 per scan. It varies by geography and provider. Some providers offer the test in a van to reduce the costs. However, the machine may not produce the most accurate results under such circumstances.
Is the DEXA scan good for longevity?
DEXA has many benefits, such as monitoring fat mass and lean mass. With the being said, DEXA is increasingly used in the realm of longevity in order to monitor lean mass, visceral fat and bone mineral density.
Are there many DEXA scan locations in Nashville?
Yes, Fitnescity is the national leader in DEXA, VO2 Max, and RMR testing. You can find hundreds of locations nationally under this Fitnescity locator: DEXA scans near me.