Aging is inevitable, but how well you age is within your control. As we grow older, muscle mass decreases, bone density declines, and visceral fat increases—all of which contribute to a higher risk of frailty, fractures, metabolic disease, and reduced lifespan. The key to longevity isn’t just about living longer—it's about maintaining strength, mobility, and metabolic health to live an independent, high-quality life.
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan provides critical insights into body composition and bone health, helping you make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits that promote longevity. Here’s how regular DEXA scans can help prevent age-related decline and optimize your health for a longer, healthier life.
1️⃣ Track and Maintain Lean Muscle Mass (Key to Longevity)
Why Muscle Mass Matters as You Age
- After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade due to sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss).
- Muscle loss leads to weakness, frailty, and a higher risk of falls and fractures.
- Higher muscle mass is directly linked to longer lifespan and better metabolic health.
How a DEXA Scan Helps
- Measures lean muscle mass to track changes over time.
- Identifies muscle imbalances, allowing for targeted strength training.
- Helps prevent muscle loss during aging by guiding protein intake and resistance training adjustments.
Example: If a DEXA scan shows muscle loss in the legs, incorporating resistance training (squats, lunges, deadlifts) can help maintain strength and mobility.
2️⃣ Prevent Osteoporosis and Maintain Strong Bones
Why Bone Health is Critical for Longevity
- Weak bones increase the risk of fractures, disability, and loss of independence.
- Hip fractures have a high mortality rate—up to 30% of older adults die within a year of a hip fracture.
- Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five years after menopause.
How a DEXA Scan Helps
- Detects early signs of osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis before fractures occur.
- Provides bone mineral density (BMD) scores, helping guide calcium, vitamin D, and strength trainingstrategies.
- Helps monitor the effectiveness of bone-strengthening treatments.
Example: If a DEXA scan detects bone loss in the hip or spine, adding weight-bearing exercises, proper nutrition, and medical interventions can help prevent fractures.
3️⃣ Monitor and Reduce Visceral Fat (A Hidden Killer)
Why Visceral Fat is Dangerous
- Unlike subcutaneous fat (the fat under the skin), visceral fat surrounds organs and is linked to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- High visceral fat is associated with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and shorter lifespan.
- Even people with normal body weight can have high visceral fat, leading to hidden metabolic risks.
How a DEXA Scan Helps
- Accurately measures visceral fat levels, unlike regular scales or BMI measurements.
- Helps identify metabolic risks early, allowing for diet and exercise adjustments.
- Provides precise tracking of fat loss, ensuring that weight loss is coming from fat, not muscle.
Example: If a DEXA scan reveals high visceral fat, incorporating strength training, HIIT workouts, and a lower-carb diet can help reduce metabolic disease risk.
4️⃣ Optimize Your Metabolism and Prevent Age-Related Weight Gain
How Metabolism Changes With Age
- After 40, metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain fat and harder to lose weight.
- Loss of muscle mass reduces resting metabolic rate (RMR), leading to increased fat storage.
- Hormonal changes (menopause, reduced testosterone) contribute to changes in body composition.
How a DEXA Scan Helps
- Tracks muscle-to-fat ratio to ensure metabolism stays high with aging.
- Helps determine ideal protein intake and exercise regimen for maintaining lean muscle.
- Provides objective data to adjust caloric intake and macronutrient balance.
Example: If a DEXA scan shows muscle loss and increased fat percentage, adjusting protein intake and adding strength training can help counteract age-related metabolic slowdown.
5️⃣ Improve Mobility, Balance, and Reduce Fall Risk
Why Balance and Strength Matter
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults.
- Loss of muscle strength and bone density increases the likelihood of falls and fractures.
- Maintaining mobility and balance is key to independence and longevity.
How a DEXA Scan Helps
- Identifies muscle weaknesses that can impact balance and stability.
- Helps create customized exercise programs to maintain core strength and coordination.
- Guides rehabilitation and recovery strategies for those at risk of falls.
Example: If a DEXA scan shows low leg muscle mass, focusing on leg strength, stability exercises, and mobility drills can reduce fall risk and improve longevity.
Key Benefits of Using a DEXA Scan for Longevity
- Tracks lean muscle mass loss, helping prevent frailty and loss of mobility.
- Monitors bone density to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
- Measures visceral fat to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
- Optimizes metabolism and helps prevent age-related weight gain.
- Identifies muscle imbalances to improve stability and prevent falls.
- Provides real, data-driven insights into aging-related changes in body composition.
By tracking these markers regularly, you can make informed decisions to support a longer, healthier, and more active life.
Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today
Take control of your health, longevity, and body composition with a DEXA scan at KALOS. Whether you want to build muscle, reduce visceral fat, or prevent osteoporosis, a DEXA scan provides the data you need to optimize aging and stay strong for life.
📍 Schedule your DEXA scan today at KALOS—because real data leads to better results.
