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Body composition measurement with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can look beyond weight and the traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine body fat distribution – an important risk factor in various serious diseases. More broadly speaking, information from DXA exams can prove valuable in conditions, such as:

In all these cases, body composition measurement contributes to a thorough patient evaluation and helps physicians monitor the effects of therapy, diet or exercise.

• Obesity

• Anorexia nervosa

• Cystic fibrosis

• Wasting syndrome (caused by HIV/Aids)

• Chronic renal failure

As one study found, “A key advantage of DXA is that changes in bone mineral density, fat and lean mass can be monitored. Weight scale measures general weight change, but without specific differentiation of changes in fat and lean mass for the total body or in various regions of interest.” 

Nutritional therapies must not only increase fat tissue but must also re-establish the normal relationship of fat to lean tissue. Young women with eating disorders have an increased risk for osteopenia, and osteoporotic fractures later in life.

Studies show that change in whole body lean-tissue mass correlates strongly with change in body weight after hemodialysis. Renal failure also affects the skeletal constitution: Patients with renal dysfunctions are at significantly higher risk of primary and secondary osteoporosis.