Are You Skinny Fat? What It Means and How a DEXA Scan Can Help You Fix It

You might look lean in clothes. Your weight might even fall within a “healthy” range. But underneath the surface, your body composition could be hiding a major problem: you’re skinny fat.

At Kalos, we use DEXA Scan technology to identify exactly what’s going on beneath the skin—because the scale and mirror don’t always tell the truth. If you’re skinny fat, you could be under-muscled, over-fat, and at greater risk for metabolic issues than someone who appears heavier.

Here’s what “skinny fat” really means—and how to fix it using smart data and strategy.

What Does “Skinny Fat” Actually Mean?

The term “skinny fat” refers to individuals who:

• Appear slim or have a “normal” BMI
• Have low muscle mass (lean mass)
• Have high body fat percentage, especially visceral fat
• Often have low energy, poor strength, and stubborn fat stores

These individuals may not be overweight on the scale, but they often lack the strength, metabolic flexibility, and body composition needed for optimal health.

Why Being Skinny Fat Is a Hidden Risk

While the aesthetics might be subtle, the health risks are serious:

• High visceral fat = increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and disease risk
• Low lean mass = slower metabolism, poor blood sugar regulation, and muscle wasting with age
• No strength base = greater risk of injury and poor functional movement
• Scale and BMI = often misleading, falsely reassuring

The fix? Start measuring what matters—not just what weighs less.

How a DEXA Scan Uncovers the Truth

With a quick 6-minute DEXA Scan in San Francisco, you’ll get a detailed report on:

• Total and regional lean mass (muscle)
• Fat mass (including visceral fat and subcutaneous fat)
• Fat-to-muscle ratio
• Bone density
• Left-to-right body imbalances

This scan gives you undeniable data that reveals if you’re skinny fat—and how to course-correct with precision.

Signs You Might Be Skinny Fat

• You’re within a “normal” BMI but have soft arms, legs, or midsection
• You feel weak, even at a healthy weight
• You struggle to gain muscle no matter how much you train
• You experience fatigue, sugar cravings, or bloating often
• Your progress stalls despite “eating clean” and working out

How to Fix It (Using DEXA to Guide Your Strategy)

1. Shift From Weight Loss to Recomposition

The goal isn’t to lose more weight—it’s to build muscle and reduce fat at the same time.

2. Strength Train 3–4x/Week

Focus on resistance training that targets major muscle groups and promotes lean mass development.

3. Eat Enough Protein

Aim for 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of bodyweight. Track daily to support muscle repair and growth.

4. Track Monthly or Bimonthly with DEXA

Adjust training and nutrition based on how your body composition changes—not the number on the scale.

5. Address Visceral Fat

If DEXA shows high visceral fat, dial in sleep, stress management, and anti-inflammatory nutrition.

Stop Chasing Weight—Start Building Real Health

Being “skinny fat” isn’t about how you look—it’s about what you’re made of. With regular DEXA Scans in San Francisco, you can stop guessing, start measuring, and build a strong, resilient body that looks good, feels better, and performs at a high level—year round.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at Kalos Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

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