Bone Density in a Whole-Body DEXA Scan
A whole-body composition DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan primarily measures three key components of the body: fat mass, lean mass, and bone mass. While it's not a diagnostic bone density test like a dedicated DXA scan for osteoporosis (which focuses on the spine and hip), it does provide valuable insights into your total bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) across the entire body.
What the Bone Density Data Includes:
Total Bone Mineral Content (BMC): The absolute weight of minerals in your bones, measured in grams.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD): The concentration of those minerals per area (g/cm²), giving a sense of how dense or strong your bones are.
Regional Breakdown: You’ll see bone data for specific areas such as the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvis—helpful for assessing imbalances or tracking changes over time.
Why It's Useful:
It offers a general overview of bone health and strength.
It can help identify changes in bone mass over time—important for athletes, aging individuals, or those at risk of bone loss.
It complements the analysis of muscle and fat to give a full picture of musculoskeletal health.