There are lots of ways you can look after yourself. From making sure to get enough sleep to eating a healthy and balanced diet—the list goes on and on. Getting regular check-ups and scans is another example of a positive step you can take for your health.
But there are some types of scans and check-ups that are less common than others. So how can you know which ones you should be opting for? Today we’re going to be speaking about one kind of scan in particular.
If you’ve ever wondered “what is a DEXA scan?” then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is sometimes also referred to as a bone density scan and as you can probably guess, it’s a type of body scan method that measures how dense your bones are.
The scan measures the mineral content of the bones in certain areas of the skeleton. It uses low levels of x-rays to do this. DEXA stands for “dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry”.
The test is painless and non-invasive. You’ll lie down and the radiographer will use the DEXA machine will scan your body. It’s capable of picking up on even very minimal changes in bone density.
What Are DEXA Scans Used For?
There are many reasons a person might have a bone density scan. Experts agree that it’s one of the best ways to identify the presence of osteoporosis even in the early stages of the disease.
For this reason, those who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis are often asked to take this type of scan. But this isn’t the only reason you might want to have a DEXA scan.
Because it measures bone density with precise accuracy, a DEXA scan can also help to examine your body composition and provide you with a picture of the percentage of lean muscle and fat you have. Why is this important? Well, for people who are just looking to lose a little weight for summer it’s not.
But if you’re a person who’s training in order to get your body to a specific shape and form, then these numbers are something that you will want to know about and keep track of. This allows you to see whether you’re on the right path to achieving your fitness goals.
When you’re serious about your physical condition, these numbers matter. For more on this, check out the resources available at evolt360.com.
Could You Benefit from a DEXA Scan?
If your bone density is something you’re worried about, then you should speak to your doctor about the possibility of booking a DEXA scan. Similarly, if you’re looking to get serious about your fitness and want to know more about your body composition, you might also want to look into having one.
We hope this article has succeeded in answering any questions you have surrounding “what is a DEXA scan?”. If you’re looking for more fitness and health-related advice, you can check out some of our other articles now.
