In modern healthcare, early intervention is key to maintaining long-term health. DEXA scans provide an extremely valuable tool by offering detailed insights into bone health and body composition. Metrics like Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI), Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), Fat Mass Index (FMI), visceral fat, and whole-body Bone Mineral Density (BMD) are important markers that help predict health risks and guide personalised interventions, forming a cornerstone of preventative healthcare.
Why DEXA Scans Matter
At Arekai Imaging, we leverage our expertise and premier technology to go beyond traditional health measures like BMI, offering a comprehensive view of your body’s composition. By measuring bone mineral density (BMD), lean mass, fat mass, and visceral fat, our scans provide healthcare providers with essential data to take action long before serious health issues develop, such as osteoporosis, metabolic diseases, or sarcopenia. Regular tracking of these metrics allows for early, tailored interventions that address each patient’s specific health goals.
Key Metrics and Their Importance
- Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI): ALMI tracks the amount of lean muscle mass in your arms and legs. This metric is vital for maintaining strength and mobility, helping reduce the risk of frailty as you age. Regular monitoring of ALMI can guide personalised interventions, such as strength training and protein optimisation, to preserve muscle mass and physical function.
- Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI): FFMI measures lean mass relative to height, which is key for physical health and performance. A healthy FFMI contributes to greater longevity and resilience, while a lower FFMI could indicate muscle loss, impacting overall health. At Arekai Imaging, we use DEXA scans to help our referral partners design interventions that optimise muscle mass and support long-term health.
- Fat Mass Index (FMI): FMI assesses the amount of body fat relative to height, providing a more accurate picture of fat distribution than BMI. Elevated fat mass, particularly when concentrated in the visceral region, increases the risk of metabolic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tracking FMI allows healthcare providers to recommend strategies, such as nutrition and exercise adjustments, to reduce fat mass and lower disease risk.
- Visceral Fat: Visceral fat, stored around internal organs, poses significant risks to metabolic health. High levels of visceral fat are associated with increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. By measuring visceral fat, our scans empower patients and healthcare providers to take targeted steps to improve metabolic health and reduce these risks.
- Whole-Body Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Whole-body BMD provides an indicative assessment of overall bone health. While specific areas like the femoral neck and lumbar spine are critical for diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, a whole-body BMD scan offers valuable insights into general bone density. This assessment helps guide early intervention strategies, including lifestyle changes and medications, to support bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Collaboration and Expertise
At Arekai Imaging, we collaborate closely with referral partners, including GPs, specialists, and allied health professionals, to provide patients with the most accurate and actionable insights into their bone and body composition. Our highly skilled team, combined with premier DEXA technology, ensures that each scan is performed with precision, allowing healthcare providers to develop personalised strategies for long-term wellness. Our advanced technology allows us to offer deep, research-backed insights, drawing from over 200 parameters related to body composition and bone health. Whether you’re looking to improve muscle mass, reduce visceral fat, or monitor bone density, our DEXA scans are designed to support early detection and preventative care.
Empowering Early Detection
DEXA scans offer a valuable tool for early detection and intervention, providing patients and healthcare providers with the detailed data they need to make informed, proactive decisions. By identifying potential health risks early, patients can take control of their health and work towards better long-term outcomes.
How Arekai Imaging Can Help
At Arekai Imaging, we utilise state-of-the-art DEXA technology to deliver accurate and comprehensive body composition and bone health assessments. Our collaborative approach ensures that healthcare providers receive the precise data they need to support proactive health interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re interested in understanding your bone health and body composition more deeply, contact us today or speak with your GP or specialist for more information about DEXA scans.
