When most people think about health and weight, one number usually comes to mind: body mass index (BMI). While BMI has long been used as a quick way to categorize weight status, it only tells part of the story. BMI is based solely on height and weight–it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle, nor does it reveal where fat is distributed in the body. That means two people with the same BMI can have very different health profiles. At Iowa Radiology, we believe in going beyond simple numbers. With advanced imaging technology like DEXA body composition scans, we provide deeper insights that help patients and providers understand overall health, guide prevention, and inform treatment decisions.
Why BMI Isn’t Enough
BMI is a helpful starting point for identifying potential health risks, but it has limitations. It cannot:
- Differentiate muscle from fat (a muscular athlete may have the same BMI as someone with excess body fat).
- Measure visceral fat, the type of fat that surrounds internal organs and is strongly linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
- Account for factors like age, sex, or body frame that influence healthy weight ranges.
Because of these limitations, health experts are increasingly turning to body composition analysis to get a clearer picture.
What Is Body Composition Analysis?
Body composition analysis measures how much of the body is made up of fat, muscle, bone, and water. By looking at these components individually, providers can better understand a patient’s health risks and create more personalized wellness or treatment plans.
At Iowa Radiology, we offer body composition testing using DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), the gold standard for measuring bone density and an excellent tool for analyzing body composition.
DEXA for Body Composition
DEXA scans use very low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density, lean tissue, and body fat with high accuracy. Unlike scales or handheld devices that estimate body fat, DEXA provides a precise breakdown of:
- Bone Density. Key for assessing osteoporosis risk.
- Lean Mass. The amount of muscle tissue, which is important for strength and metabolism.
- Fat Distribution. Not just how much fat is present, but where it’s located in the body.
This last point is critical because visceral fat (fat stored around abdominal organs) carries greater health risks than subcutaneous fat (fat stored under the skin).
How Body Composition Testing Supports Health
Body composition testing with DEXA can provide valuable insights for many patients:
- Osteoporosis Prevention. By measuring bone density, DEXA identifies patients at risk for fractures, allowing for early intervention.
- Athletic Performance. Athletes use DEXA to monitor muscle mass and fat distribution to optimize training.
- Weight Management. Patients trying to lose weight or gain muscle can track meaningful changes beyond the scale.
- Chronic Disease Risk. By identifying high levels of visceral fat, DEXA can alert patients and providers to risks for diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan
A DEXA body composition scan is fast, painless, and noninvasive. You’ll lie on a padded table while the scanner passes over your body. The test typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward. The amount of radiation used is minimal.
The Iowa Radiology Difference
At Iowa Radiology, body composition testing is part of our commitment to delivering insights that guide care, not just numbers on a page. Patients and providers benefit from:
- Precision Imaging. DEXA scans that go beyond BMI to provide accurate, detailed measurements.
- Expert Interpretation: Radiologists with subspecialty expertise who ensure results are clinically meaningful.
- Collaborative Care: Imaging results are shared directly with providers to help inform personalized health plans.
- Whole-Health Perspective. From bone health to chronic disease prevention, we use imaging to support long-term wellness.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve ever wondered whether BMI really reflects your health, body composition testing may provide the answers you need. Talk to your provider about whether a DEXA scan at Iowa Radiology is right for you. By looking beyond BMI, you can gain valuable insights into your body’s health, track meaningful progress, and take proactive steps toward a stronger, healthier future.
