WDI utilizes DXA analysis for fitness and weight management programs

Jan 4 2010

Women's Digital Imaging of Ridgewood (WDI), has begun using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), a technology developed to screen for osteoporosis (bone loss), to measure body fat in patients who want a more accurate method of establishing goals and measuring results for weight management and fitness programs.

While Body Mass Index (BMI) has been a standard measuring tool, it does not distinguish muscle from fat. DXA analysis measures the percentage of lean muscle, fat tissue mass, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) in the whole body and specific regions such as trunk, arms, legs and pelvis.

"Knowing your ratio of fat to lean body mass helps you determine how to reshape your body correctly," says Dr. Lisa Weinstock, Director of Women's Digital Imaging. "With DXA analysis, you can show patients where they have to make changes and measure how successful they are in making them." The results provided by DXA imaging can help health care professionals treat conditions such as obesity, anorexia nervosa, cystic fibrosis, and chronic renal failure. It can also help athletes develop training programs to achieve optimal performance.

Patients are using DXA Total Body Fat analysis before and after gastric bypass surgery and at the beginning and midway through diet and exercise programs to accurately gauge results. Personal trainers are using Total Body Fat analysis to assess their clients' success and make changes in their training regimen when necessary. DXA Total Body Fat analysis is helping nutritionists guide anorexic patients safely back to developing a healthy body and self-image.