Understanding Your Body Composition With the BCS Elite
The DXA, or “Dual X-ray Absorptiometry”, is a quick and pain free scan that can tell you a lot about your body. It provides you with an in-depth analysis of your fat tissue, lean mass and bone density. This is much more detailed than our bioimpedance body composition done at your first appointment.
Due to its open design you can comfortably relax while the test is being run without feeling claustrophobic. The machine works by sending dual low power x-ray beams that can accurately and precisely differentiate between bone mineral, lean mass and fat mass, giving your doctor clear, concise information to provide recommendations for the best course of action.
DXA body composition analysis
The main goal of the DXA is to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the main components of your body; fat, muscle and bone. After the scan, you will be given a print out where you will see percentages, mass, and images accounting for the various data obtained.
The scan only takes about 6 minutes. With InnerCoreTM Visceral Fat Assessment, the Advanced Body Composition assessment is a more comprehensive way to measure body composition compared to other methods on the market. It provides you % body fat, total lean mass, bone density, limb comparison for muscle imbalance detection, visceral fat and more. We call it the BodyLogicTM scan.
Measurements Beyond the Basics
Because this test gives so much detailed information regarding various components in your body, it is a scan that can be used for anyone. Athletes can get this scan done if they are curious to track their muscle mass as well as overall fat percentage. Due to its broad uses, the average person who is simply curious about their health could get this scan in order to gain insight regarding their body composition.
Total Body Fat Percentage (%BF)
The percent of the body that is composed of fat. This will change based on the amount of fat there is as well as the amount of lean mass there is.
Fat Mass Index (FMI)
The total amount of fat you have (in kilograms) relative to your height (in meters2). It is a measure of how much total fat you have, relative to your size and independent of lean mass.
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
VAT is a hormonally active component of total body fat. The measurement reflects the amount of internal abdominal fat around the organs. This is different than subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin. Increased VAT has a high correlation to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Current research shows and elevated risk at around 100-160 cms.
Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI)
The amount of mass that is not fat, relative to your height. This includes muscle, bone, organs and connective tissue. It can be used to gauge relative muscle mass in lean individuals.
Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM)
An estimate of the total amount of skeletal muscle you have.
Skeletal Muscle Mass Percentage (%SMM)
The percent of the body that is composed of skeletal muscle. Like %BF, this number is relative to your total mass.
Pain Free Scan
DEXA offers several advantages compared to CT including reduced radiation dose, decreased scan times, and lower cost. Importantly, obtaining VAT measurements with DEXA is easily performed in conjunction with evaluation of bone mineral density, fracture assessment and risk, and whole body composition. Reach out today to schedule a visit.