CentralMontanaMedicalCenter(CMMC)isnowoffering DEXA body composition scans, providing individuals with a fast, precise way to better understand their body composition and track changes over time.
A DEXA body composition scan provides an advanced assessment of body fat and soft tissue throughout the body. In just 6–12 minutes, the scan provides precise measurements of total body fat percentage, fat mass, visceral fat and fat distribution.
Why Might a Body Composition Scan Be Useful?
The number on a scale only tells part of the story. Two people can weigh the same but have very different body compositions. A DEXA scan provides a more detailed look at what makes up that weight and where fat is distributed throughout the body.
For someone beginning or already following an exercise, nutrition or wellness program, a DEXA scan can provide a useful baseline. Follow-up scans can then help show how body composition changes over time—even when the number on the scale may not change significantly. For example, a person may lose fat while gaining lean tissue. A traditional scale may make it appear that little progress has been made, while a DEXA body composition scan can provide a more complete picture of those changes.
DEXA also measures visceral fat, the fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal area. Understanding fat distribution, along with overall body composition, can provide individuals with additional information to discuss with their healthcare or wellness professionals as they work toward their personal health goals.
More Information than a Traditional Scale
Unlike traditional body composition scales, DEXA results are not affected in the same way by changes in hydration, food intake or recent exercise. Even small changes in water intake or activity can alter the body fat percentage reported by a body composition scale without representing an actual change in body composition. DEXA offers an accuracy range of approximately ±0.5–1%, compared with approximately ±3–10%for body composition scales.
Once the scan is complete, advanced algorithms calculate tissue mass pixel by pixel to generate a detailed body composition report. Patients receive their results, along with a report interpretation guide, before leaving CMMC on the day of their exam.
DEXA body composition scans are available fo r$75, paidout of pocket. The service is not billed to insurance.
For more information about DEXA body composition scans, contact CMMC Radiology at 406-535-6205.