A few weeks ago someone reached out to me about getting a DEXAScan.   I’ve been intrigued since I read Marcia’s post but never got around to making an appointment.  Now that my schedule is a bit “flexible”, I made an appointment.  

What is a DEXA Scan?  It stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and is a body composition test.  This test measures fat, weight, muscle, and bone density.

I went to the Naperville location after work.  I arrived a few minutes early and checked out the place.  The office is shared with another office which I thought was weird.  You have to go through one office to get to the other one.

DEXA Scan-4

DEXA Scan-2

After filling out some paperwork, I was taken to another room for the test.  There was a table with a scanner attached to it.  The machine can be intimidating but don’t let it scare you.  The receptionist asked me to remove all metal jewelry and when I was ready, to lie still on the table.  Then an x-ray wand passed over me several times and then I was done.  The whole process took about 5 minutes.

DEXA Scan-3

Then I waited for my results.  This is what I found out:
• My bone density is good.  I have to thank all of my years of running for this.

• My BMI puts me in the overweight category.

• Overall body fat is high.  It is 10% higher than what it should be based on my height and weight.

• Most of the fat is in the stomach.  I knew that already.  I can see it.  Hahaha.

I am glad I took this opportunity to get this scan.  I have a good idea of where I am at bodywise.  I would like to go back in a few months to see if there is a difference, especially the body fat.  I definitely have lots of work to do.  🙂

DEXA Scan-1

There are several locations you can go for a DEXA Scan.  Check here to find one near you.

Tuesday Topics

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12 Comments on Tuesday Topics: My DEXAScan experience

  1. So many runners have done this and it sounds like an amazing experience. I doubt I will do it. but thanks for sharing.

  2. Interesting post, Z. Curious, how much does this test cost? I’ve never had one done and would be interested depending on cost.

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