Dexa or dxa stands for dual emission x ray absorptiometry. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry dexa scans. The most accurate measurement of body fat measuring body composition. It determines your total body fat percentage total fat mass and fat free mass. This is a specialized x ray exam that provides detailed information about the ratio between fat muscle and. When we asked.
The dexa scan utilizes dual energy x ray absorptiometry dxa. Five of the body fat scales read weight accurately but one the qardio qardiobase which happened to be one of the priciest routinely overestimated weight by 6 to 10 pounds. Dexa dxa scan is widely considered as one of the most accurate and comprehensive body composition tests. Fitted with leading edge technology weight gurus flagship offering is perfect if youre looking for body fat scales. Depending on the circumstances options may include. You can buy a good body fat caliper for less than 10.
Each protocol has specific sites for testing commonly including the chest arms abs and thighs. A dexa scan is like getting a full body. It records your body mass index bmi muscle mass and even the weight of the water in your body so youll get the detailed information you need. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body. Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry.
The test looks beyond your weight and the traditional body mass index bmi. After plugging the numbers into a formula practitioners can estimate body fat percentage. With this technique youre enclosed in a computerized egg shaped. Then he or she uses the skin caliper device to measure the thickness of the skin fold for each site. While most people will rely on fitness trackers the garmin index smart scale can give some of the most accurate metrics including weight body water body fat bone mass and body mass index bmi. A measure of your body composition distinguishes between fat mass and all other body mass.
If you want one that offers a wider range of body composition measurements links to your phone and promises greater accuracy expect to pay between 30 and 50. The technician doing the test first pinches the skin. While the nokia body cardios battery life is in its own league our review found garmins battery life of 9 months quite impressive as well. You can buy a fairly basic scale with body fat capabilities for around 25. Often used to measure bone mass for osteoporosis diagnoses dexa scans are also reliable methods of body fat measurement and can be more reliable.