AUCKLAND BODY COMPOSITION
ASSESSING METABOLIC HEALTH
What is Body Composition?
The main tissues in the body are fat, muscle and bone. These can be measured using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DXA) machine, which is also used to measure bone density and fracture risk in those with possible osteoporosis.
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Using special software, the DXA machine can accurately estimate fat mass, muscle (lean) mass, and total bone mass.
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Visceral fat, the fat that is stored around your abdominal organs, can be measured
Regional fat distribution (waist/stomach fat, thigh/buttock fat, arm and leg fat) can also be measured
Who should consider having a body composition study?
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Those wanting more detailed information about their body make-up than is provided by simply measuring body weight or skinfold thickness
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Those losing weight (e.g. after weight-loss surgery or during dieting) to assess fat and muscle loss
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Those undertaking fitness, training or gym programs, to assess the impact on fat stores and muscle mass
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Those undertaking elite fitness programs
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Those at risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, raised cholesterol or heart disease, to determine the amount of unhealthy visceral fat and waist/stomach fat
What information is generated by the scan?
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Total body fat mass
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Fat mass as percent body weight
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Fat mass centile for age
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Visceral fat mass and volume
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Fat mass in the abdominal (android) region and the thigh/buttock (gynoid) region
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Lean muscle mass
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Lean mass as percent body weight
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Total body bone density
How is the scan done?
Body composition scans are done at our Epsom site. The test is done while lying quietly on an open bed, and takes about 15-20 minutes. There is no need to remove clothing but metalware such as zips and buckles should be avoided. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes. The x-ray exposure is minimal, less than that from a day of normal background radiation. A copy of the report is provided to you.
How can I arrange a scan?
Scans can be done directly by contacting us to arrange an appointment on referral from your doctor.
