Congratulations on getting a DEXA body composition scan! This is a great step in better understanding your health and fitness. The report you received has a wealth of data that provides valuable insights into your body composition. Keep in mind that this information is not medical advice - always consult with your doctor for personalized medical guidance.

Visual Body Scan

The body scan image shows the distribution of fat (in yellow), lean body mass (in red), and bone mass (in blue) throughout your body. It gives you a visual representation of where your body stores fat.

Body Composition Results

This section breaks down the specifics of your body composition, detailing how fat and lean mass are distributed in your arms, trunk, and legs. Here's what the terminology means:

Fat Mass: The amount of your body that is made up of fat. Some body fat is essential for insulation and energy storage, but excess fat, especially around the midsection, can pose health risks.

Lean + BMC: All the non-fat components of your body, including muscle, organs, bones, and other tissues. Higher lean mass, particularly muscle mass, boosts metabolism and overall health.

Total Mass: Your total body weight, including fat, lean mass, and bone.

% Fat: The percentage of your total body weight that is fat. In the example, the individual has 17.8% body fat.

% Fat Percentile: These percentiles compare your body fat percentage to others. The "YN" compares you to a "Young Normal" reference group, while "AM" compares you to people of a similar age, which is usually more relevant. In the example, the person is at the 28th percentile for AM, meaning 72% of men his age have more body fat.

Android (A): Fat distribution pattern more common in males, with more fat in the trunk and upper body for an "apple" shape.

Gynoid (G): Fat distribution more typical in females, with more fat in the hips, thighs and buttocks for a "pear" shape.

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Total Body % Fat and Z-score

This graph shows how your body fat percentage compares to others your age. The top black line is the 97.5th percentile (97% of people have less body fat), the middle line is the 50th percentile (average body fat %), and the bottom line is the 2.5th percentile (only 2.5% have less body fat). In the example graph, the individual is below average body fat for their age.

Adipose Indices

Adipose Indices

These measurements assess fat amount, distribution, and associated health risks:

Fat Mass/Height Squared (Fat Mass Index or FMI): Assesses fat relative to height. More accurate than BMI or body fat %.

Android/Gynoid Ratio: Ratio of "apple" to "pear" fat distribution. Higher ratio means more abdominal fat, linked to greater health risks.

% Fat Trunk/% Fat Legs: Compares amount of trunk fat to leg fat.

Trunk/Limb Fat Mass Ratio: Compares trunk fat to limb fat.

Est. VAT Mass: Estimates visceral fat around abdominal organs. More VAT means higher disease risk.

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Lean Indices

These assess muscle mass relative to height:

Lean/Height Squared (Lean Mass Index or LMI): Evaluates total muscle mass compared to height.

Appen. Lean/Height Squared (Appendicular Lean Mass Index or ALMI): Assesses arm and leg muscle mass relative to height. Low ALMI can indicate sarcopenia risk.

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BMD and T-Score

The BMD test measures bone mineral content. The T-score compares your bone density to another young healthy adult. A score between +1 and -1 is normal density, -1 to -2.5 suggests osteopenia (low bone mass), and -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis. Lower scores mean higher fracture risk.

Conclusion

While these comparisons show where you stand relative to others, focus on your own progress over time. Use this report, along with guidance from a doctor or trainer, to optimize your body composition and well-being. Armed with knowledge and an action plan, you'll be on the path to better health!

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Remember, for any medical questions or concerns, always consult your doctor. The DEXA scan report provides helpful information, but it is not a substitute for personalized medical help.

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