Why a DEXA Scan is Essential for Your Health Journey
Your body weight is made up of three key components: fat mass, lean mass (muscle and organs), and bone mass. A traditional scale can’t tell you the difference between them. A DEXA scan, however, provides a detailed breakdown, offering insights that are critical for your health and weight management success.
Optimal Health Assessment: A DEXA scan reveals hidden risks that a scale can’t. It precisely measures visceral fat—the harmful fat that surrounds your internal organs—which is a key indicator of your risk for conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. By accurately tracking changes in your visceral fat levels, you can proactively manage your long-term health.
Personalized Insights: The data from your DEXA scan is a powerful tool. It allows us to create a truly personalized plan for you, whether it’s for nutrition, exercise, or overall health. You’ll understand exactly how your diet and fitness routine are impacting your body, allowing you to optimize your efforts for maximum results. You can track your progress accurately, ensuring you are losing fat, not valuable muscle.
The Sydney Bariatric Clinic Difference
Choosing to have your DEXA scan at Sydney Bariatric Clinic means you receive more than just a number—you get professional guidance. Our commitment to your long-term health is what sets us apart.
Expert Analysis: Unlike fitness centres that provide a printout and send you on your way, your DEXA scan results at our clinic are interpreted by a medical professional. We help you understand exactly what the numbers mean for your specific health needs and goals.
Seamless Integration with Your Care: For our bariatric patients, the DEXA scan is an invaluable part of your journey. The results can be seamlessly integrated into your comprehensive care plan, helping your medical team monitor your progress, protect against bone density loss, and ensure your weight loss is healthy and sustainable.
What to Expect During Your DEXA Scan
The DEXA scan is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure.
Preparation:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips, buttons, or underwire.
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your scan.
For the most accurate results, avoid eating a large meal or drinking a lot of water 2-3 hours before your appointment.
The scan itself takes only about 6-10 minutes. You will lie comfortably on a padded table while a scanner arm moves slowly over your body. The process is completely painless. You will need to remain still for a few minutes to ensure the images are clear.
Once the scan is complete, you will receive a detailed, full-colour report. One of our medical professionals will then review the results with you, explaining your body composition breakdown and how it relates to your health goals. You will leave with a clear picture of your body and a plan to move forward.
DEXA Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it uses a very low dose of X-rays, less than a day’s exposure to natural background radiation. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or underwire. Avoid vigorous exercise and consuming large amounts of food or water 2-3 hours before the scan for the most accurate results.
A scale only measures your total body weight, while a DEXA scan provides a detailed breakdown of what that weight is composed of: bone mass, lean muscle mass, and fat mass, for a much more accurate picture of your health.
A doctor’s referral is required for bone density scans to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. However, for a body composition scan specifically for health and fitness tracking, a referral may not be necessary. Please contact us for more information on the specific requirements.
The frequency depends on your goals, but many people track their progress with a scan every 2-3 months to see the effects of their diet and exercise program.
