Not all body fat carries the same risk. Visceral fat—the fat that surrounds internal organs—can carry the highest health risk. While some visceral fat is normal and protective, excess levels are strongly linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammation, and dementia.

DEXA scans are considered the gold standard for assessing body composition and bone density. They provide a precise and reliable measurement of visceral fat, muscle mass, and bone mineral density, offering valuable insight into metabolic health and age-related changes such as sarcopenia (muscle loss).

More Than a Number on a Scale

Understanding how fat is distributed in your body, and how much muscle you have, reveals far more than weight alone. These measurements help assess how efficiently your body is functioning and can influence energy levels, mood, cognitive performance, and overall resilience. Metabolic health is one of the strongest predictors of future chronic disease risk. DEXA imaging also evaluates bone density, helping identify osteoporosis risk and fracture vulnerability.

Together, these measurements establish a clear baseline that allows us to monitor meaningful changes over time and support a proactive, long-term approach to health and longevity.