DEXA scan (bone density + body composition)
Diagnostics · Imaging
Tier S
What this is
Tracks ALMI (appendicular lean mass index) and VAT (visceral adipose tissue) — both longevity-relevant metrics that bathroom scales can't capture. BIA (bioimpedance) scales are cheap but much less accurate than DEXA. Get baseline in 30s-40s to track subsequent changes.
Mechanism
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; gold standard for bone mineral density; also provides regional and total body composition (lean mass, fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, ALMI)
Dose & route
Bone density: women >65 or postmenopausal with risk factors; men >70; body comp: as desired
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32091843/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32418769/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7330575/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.