DEXA Body Composition Baseline

Every January, millions of people set health-related New Year’s resolutions — lose weight, build muscle, improve fitness, or take better control of chronic conditions. Yet many of these goals rely on a single, often misleading metric: the number on a scale.

A DEXA Body Composition scan offers a smarter way to start the year by establishing an accurate, medically trusted baseline that shows what your body is actually made of before you begin. A referral from a medical provider is required prior to scheduling a DEXA Body Composition Study at one of our centers. 

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Body Composition Analysis is a painless, non-invasive medical imaging study that uses very low levels of X-ray energy to measure:

• Body fat distribution
• Lean muscle mass
• Bone mineral density

Unlike bathroom scales or BMI calculators, a DEXA scan provides precise, clinical-grade measurements that distinguish between fat, muscle, and bone, offering a detailed snapshot of your physical health that can be reliably tracked over time.

At Capitol Imaging Services, patients have access to state-of-the-art DEXA technology that delivers reliable data for both individuals and healthcare providers. Your provider can help determine whether this study is appropriate and submit the necessary order so your appointment can be scheduled without delay.

A New Year’s resolution is easier to follow — and far more motivating — when progress can be clearly measured. A DEXA Body Composition scan establishes a true starting point, allowing future changes to be compared against real data rather than assumptions.

A baseline DEXA scan can help you:

• Understand how much of your weight is fat versus muscle
• Identify visceral (abdominal) fat that may impact long-term health
• Track muscle gains even when the scale does not change
• Measure progress beyond before-and-after photos

This type of baseline makes it easier to evaluate whether your fitness, nutrition, or medical plan is producing meaningful results as the year progresses.

DEXA Body Composition Analysis has been widely used in clinical and research settings related to nutrition, metabolism, and exercise physiology. It is especially valuable for individuals who are:

• Starting a weight-loss or fitness program
• Working with a nutritionist or health coach
• Managing chronic conditions that affect body composition
• Participating in athletic or performance training
• Interested in preventive health and long-term wellness

Healthcare providers may also use DEXA results to help personalize treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations based on measurable data rather than estimates.

A DEXA Body Composition study is quick, easy, and comfortable for most patients:

• Painless and non-invasive
• No injections or contrast
• You will lie still on a scan table while breathing normally
• The scan typically takes 10 to 30 minutes

During the exam, a very low-dose dual-energy X-ray beam passes through the body and is measured by a detector, allowing the system to differentiate between fat, lean tissue, and bone with a high degree of accuracy.

A radiologist reviews the data and provides a detailed report for you or your healthcare provider to use in ongoing care or health planning.

Many New Year’s health plans stall because progress is difficult to see. A DEXA Body Composition scan removes guesswork by providing objective, medical-grade insight into how your body responds to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

Rather than focusing solely on weight, a DEXA scan helps answer more meaningful questions:

• Am I losing fat?
• Am I preserving or building muscle?
• Are my efforts actually working?

These insights can reinforce motivation and help guide smarter adjustments throughout the year.

Whether your goal is improved fitness, better health tracking, or long-term wellness, a DEXA Body Composition scan can be a powerful first step.

Capitol Imaging Services has multiple locations offering advanced DEXA Body Composition Analysis to help patients start the year informed, motivated, and empowered.

Schedule your DEXA Body Composition Analysis today and begin your New Year’s health journey with clarity and confidence.