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.
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.
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. 🙂
There are several locations you can go for a DEXA Scan. Check here to find one near you.
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So many runners have done this and it sounds like an amazing experience. I doubt I will do it. but thanks for sharing.
No problem. I found it interesting too when Marcia wrote about it and decided to do it.
Interesting post, Z. Curious, how much does this test cost? I’ve never had one done and would be interested depending on cost.
It depends on location. The place I went to charges $75 but other places in the Chicago area charge $150.
I would love to try this out!
I hope you do.
Wasn’t it enlightening? I was most fascinated by what it revealed about muscle imbalances.
I will admit that I didn’t pay too much attention to the muscle imbalances. Now I will. 🙂
I’d like to get this done. As Marcia mentioned, the muscle imbalance info would be beneficial. I know I have it, just don’t know how much LOL
Now I need to go back to my report and see what is says about mine.
I have been wanting to do a dexa scan myself. I think it’s always great to have info on your own body
Check it out. I am sure there are plenty of locations in the area.