Can a DEXA Scan Detect Muscle Loss from Aging or Inactivity?

Absolutely. In fact, a DEXA scan is one of the most accurate tools available for detecting and tracking muscle loss—especially the kind that creeps in silently due to aging, inactivity, or even overtraining.

As we age or spend extended time inactive (think: desk jobs, injury recovery, or skipped gym sessions), we naturally begin to lose lean muscle mass—a process called sarcopenia. Left unchecked, this loss affects strength, mobility, metabolism, and long-term health.

The good news? With a quick 6-minute DEXA scan in San Francisco, you can catch these changes early, take control, and rebuild strength with precision.

Muscle Loss Isn’t Always Obvious

You may not feel weaker right away, but subtle losses in lean mass can:

• Lower your resting metabolism
• Increase fat gain (especially around the belly)
• Reduce bone density and increase fracture risk
• Lead to balance issues, joint pain, and poor posture

Most people lose 3–8% of muscle per decade after age 30—unless they’re actively working to maintain it.

What DEXA Scans Show About Muscle Loss

A DEXA scan provides a full breakdown of:

• Total lean muscle mass (in pounds or kg)
• Regional muscle mass (arms, legs, trunk)
• Left-right imbalances
• Changes from previous scans to show exact muscle loss over time

Unlike a scale or BMI, DEXA tells you exactly what you’re losing—not just how much you weigh.

How to Know If Aging or Inactivity Is Causing Muscle Loss

DEXA scan indicators of concern:

• Lean mass is decreasing while fat mass is stable or rising
• Visceral fat is increasing
• Muscle mass is dropping disproportionately in the legs or trunk
• Bone density is trending lower (common alongside muscle loss)

If you’ve taken time off training, had an injury, or are noticing reduced strength, a DEXA scan is your go-to diagnostic to confirm and quantify the change.

How to Combat Muscle Loss After a DEXA Scan

Once you've identified muscle loss, here’s how to reverse it:

• Strength train 3–4x/week (focus on compound movements)
• Eat more protein (0.8–1g per pound of bodyweight)
• Include Zone 2 cardio for recovery and metabolism
• Sleep 7–9 hours and manage stress
• Re-scan every 4-8 weeks to track progress and adjust

Who Should Get Scanned Regularly?

• Adults over 30 who don’t currently strength train
• Anyone returning from injury, surgery, or prolonged inactivity
• People experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, or body changes
• Athletes monitoring muscle retention during fat loss or cutting phases

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

Worried about losing strength or muscle as you age—or after time off? A DEXA scan at KALOS in San Francisco gives you the data you need to spot muscle loss early, adjust your training, and stay strong for life.

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

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