DEXA scan for visceral fat mass
This quick and relatively cheap low-radiation scan is an FDA-approved means of quantifying muscle mass, fat mass and most importantly visceral fat mass. Visceral fat correlates with the risk of metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure > 130/85, high triglycerides >150, low HDL-cholesterol <40 men, <50 women, waist circumference >40 inches men, >35 inches women, elevated fasting glucose >110), cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.
Those with elevated visceral fat may not have much subcutaneous body fat and may not appear significantly overweight, hence the importance of this scan which shows fat around the organs deep in the abdomen. Having as little 4 or 5 pounds of visceral fat correlates with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Focussed and individualised dietary and exercise approaches can help patients reduce visceral fat, reverse metabolic syndrome, diabetes or pre-diabetes and substantially reduce cardiovascular risk.
An added benefit of a DEXA scan in older patients is identifying osteoporosis and sarcopenia (muscle wasting). Sarcopenia correlates directly with the risk of falling, injury and cognitive decline while osteoporosis predisposes to painful fractures and disability. Many strategies can help slow the decline in bone density and the loss of muscle.
Cost
Around $1,000 TTD