DEXA Scan

DEXA Body Composition Scans

SSEP now use DEXA Scans to provide an opportunity for our patients to know more about their body composition and establish an accurate baseline from which we can plan and monitor progress towards your goals.

With the DEXA Scan we will determine the distribution of body fat, muscle and bone density to help determine a way forward for you to achieve your goals, whether that be:

NOTE: As Exercise Physiologists we are unable to complete diagnostic Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessments. Please refer to your GP for alternative testing locations

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These services are currently available at the SSEP Norwest Clinic. You can book an appointment or talk to us for more information on how the DEXA Scan can help you.

DEXA Body Scans are recognised as a leading system in monitoring body fat and muscle mass via a body composition assessment.

It helps us bring light to your current baseline and hence develop an action plan for you to reach your goals and monitor your progression by providing accurate readings of:

• Body fat distribution
• Muscle mass

The DEXA Scan technology works by passing dual x-ray beams across body tissue at differing energy levels. It is completely pain free and only lasts for around 10-15 minutes all together.

The result of the scan is an accurate reading and visual representation of your body composition, including whole body and specific body regions like arms and legs – a feature that no other technology is currently providing.

Body composition is the distribution of fat, muscle and bone in the body. Knowing your body composition becomes important when working towards goals that involve strength, fitness, weight gain/loss and health.

You may want to consider the DEXA body composition scan if you are tracking changes made from:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Medication
• Medical Conditions

To give an example of the application of body composition let’s look at weight loss. When exercise and diet are changed for weight loss it’s common to see your weight on the scales decreasing, however often there’s a significant amount of muscle loss as well.

It’s important to monitor your body composition during weight loss to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy level of muscle mass to avoid injury.

The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test is quick, simple and non-invasive test that will accurately determine how many calories your body burns while at rest.

More basic RMR calculators are inaccurate and can give results that under or overshoot your RMR by up to 200 calories. This may negatively impact the rate at which you can achieve your health and fitness goals.

There is a direct correlation between the amount of oxygen you consume and the number of calories that you burn.

Hence, the RMR Test is performed using a machine that measures the difference in concentration of oxygen in the air that your breath in and breathe out, while taking into account factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity in order to get the most accurate results possible.

When preparing for the Resting Metabolic Rate Test:

• Do not eat or drink for at least 5 hours before the test.
• Avoid exercise for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the test.
• Do not smoke the day of or at least 5 hours prior to the test.
• Do not ingest caffeine or any stimulants on the day of the test.
• Refrain from taking any dietary supplements or pre-workouts that can increase metabolism.

Once your RMR has been completed you will be given a brief overview of the recommended nutritional intake to meet your health goals.

A DEXA Scan is a great resource for providing highly accurate information about your bone density and body composition. No matter what your age, knowing your results can help you improve your health and reach your goals.

Making lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of diseases and improve your well-being. The test results can be used to determine your caloric intake and energy expenditure. This can help you lose fat and gain muscle.

Periodic monitoring will track your progress. The results allow you to change your dietary requirements and activities as needed.

When preparing for the DEXA Scan:

• You may eat and drink normally pre-test
• Please cease taking calcium supplements for a least 24hrs pre-test.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing
• Avoid clothing that has any metal components such as buttons or zippers
• Metal will interfere with the test, so it must be removed.
• For most accurate results please schedule repeat DEXA scans at a similar time of the day
• If you are under 18yrs of age you will require medical referral and written justification for assessment as per the radiation guidelines.

During the Scan

During a DEXA scan, you will lie on your back on the scanner. A technician will help position you so the scanner will accurately scan your body.

When performing a body composition analysis, your whole body will be scanned.

During the scan, you will be asked to lay completely still. Moving will result in blurry images.

A DEXA scan is extremely accurate and will give measurements to one tenth of a gram for the following measurements:

• Muscle – Density, Mass & Area
• Fat – Density, Mass & Area
• Fat %, Lean % & Bone %
• Android/Gynoid Ratio
• Fat Mass Index
• Energy Requirements (Basal Metabolic Rate)
• Visceral Adipose Tissue, Mass, Area & Volume

The image below is an example of a visual representation that the DEXA scan produces. This particular image shows fat distribution. The fat is displayed by the green coloured dots on the body, with the more yellow dots showing fat with more density.

The blue areas show lean tissue and appear as a darker blue where the tissue is more dense.

During the scan, people should remain completely still to prevent blurry images. The scan is painless and relatively quick, lasting between 10-15 minutes and taking no more than 30 minutes.

The DEXA scan is safe for most people. However, there are a few exceptions. The test uses X-ray energy, so there is minimal exposure to radiation. Pregnant women should talk with their GP first.

To book a consult at our Norwest Clinic please click here.

Important Notes:

**DEXA Scans are currently only available at  our Norwest Clinic.**

**As Exercise Physiologists we are unable to complete diagnostic Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessments. Please refer to your GP for alternative testing locations.**

Deposit and Cancellation Policy:

Deposits

• For DEXA & RMR Quick Scans full payment is required when booking online.
• For DEXA + Extended Consult & DEXA + RMR Extended Consult a 50% deposit will be requested to be paid over the phone when booking has been made online.

Deposit/Cancellation Policy

• If you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact Hills Sports Medicine Norwest at least 24 hours prior to your appointment by calling 02 9899 2833.

Non Attendance and Cancellation Fees

• A minimum of 24 hours notice prior to your scheduled appointment time is required for cancellations.
• No shows and cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will incur a ‘non-attendance fee’ (deposit will be forfeited).