Body Composition Scan

Our in-depth, low-cost scan assesses the main components of your body — muscle, fat and bones — to help patients on their weight-loss journey.

GoFertility’s state-of-the-art in-house DXA machine provides our patients the opportunity to receive a body composition scan or bone density scan. While the bone density scan — which you can read more about here — assesses the thickness and strength of bones, the body composition scan show patients an in-depth analysis of their fat tissue, lean mass and bone density.

By showing individuals the main components of their body as well as the precise location of them, patients get a comprehensive measurement of their muscle, fat and bone content. The DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan uses low levels of radiation while patients comfortably lay on our flat, padded DXA machine. This non-invasive, painless and low-cost scan only takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete but is packed with invaluable information. The amount of X-ray radiation is lower than what you’d get during a flight from New York to Los Angeles.

Who can benefit from a DXA body composition scan at GoFertility?

GoFertility (or CRMRS) has recommended patients with metabolic syndrome/polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity and anovulation caused by hormone imbalance to consider receiving a DEXA scan administered by our highly trained staff. The information a DEXA scan provides our team can help us assess and track the effect of any prescribed medication or lifestyle changes depending on the patients’ desired outcome.

Obesity is linked to women having fewer eggs retrieved and less mature eggs produced, making it a risk factor for infertility. CRMRS patients prescribed a weight-loss medication, such as Mounjaro, periodically undergo DEXA scans to help our team view progress and recommend any alterations to medication or dosage. By monitoring and treating weight-loss patients in this scientifically correct manner, we keep their safety and well-being at the forefront with accurate data gathered from DEXA scans playing a crucial role.

In addition to patients seeking to lose weight prior to fertility treatments, a hysterectomy or other GoFertility procedures, several other individuals can benefit from a DEXA scan. Patients looking to lose weight simply to improve their overall quality of life can benefit, and GoFertility has case studies of our patients safely shedding more than 100 pounds. Other individuals who can benefit from the data our DXA machine provides include:

• Athletes and bodybuilders

• Police, firefighters and first responders

• Individuals curious about their body composition

• Men and women aged 50+ seeking information about their bone density

What information does a body composition scan provide?

Often considered the gold standard for an in-depth, comprehensive look at the main components of your body, a DEXA scan is highly accurate. It can measure changes as small as 1 percent in muscle change and 2 percent in fat change. It quickly produces a report that our team will thoroughly explain to you. Data points included in this report are:

• Total Body Fat Percentage (%BF): Includes a patient’s fat mass/total mass.

• Fat Mass Index (FMI): A more accurate measure than Body Mass Index (BMI), FMI calculates the amount of fat a patient has relative to their height.

• Android to Glynoid ratio: Also known as the apple-to-pear-shape ratio, this index shows precisely where fat is stored in your body. Android, or apple shape, means most of the fat is located around the stomach or mid-section, which could signify a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Glynoid, or pear shape, references fat being stored around the hips or thighs.

• Percent Fat Trunk/% Fat Legs and Trunk to Limb Fat Mass Ratio: These measurements aren’t vital to day-to-day health monitoring, but they do demonstrate the distribution of fat content in an individual’s body. Clinically, they can be used to track lipodystrophy.

• Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) Mass, Volume and Area: These measure the visceral fat, or “bad fat,” in your abdomen around the insides of your organs. Increased VAT scores have a correlation to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

• Lean Mass Index: Relative to height, this data point shows the amount of lean muscle an individual possesses.

• Appendices Lean Muscle: Relative to height, this index measures how much functional muscle is contained in an individual’s legs and arms.

Preparing for Your Bone Density Scan

For optimal results, GoFertility recommends individuals are normally hydrated and empty their bladder and bowels before the scan begins. Do not eat or exercise vigorously 4 to 6 hours before the DEXA scan. Wear loose, comfortable and light clothing without metal or jewelry. Avoid clothing with zippers, snaps, fasteners, belts or underwire.

Want to know more about the DXA machine’s scanning capabilities for body composition or bone density? Give us a call at 314-473-1285 with any questions or if you’re ready to set up an appointment for a DEXA scan. Please note payment is due at the time of the scan, and we can complete this service whether or not you have insurance. Our team looks forward to the opportunity to serve you!