A DEXA scan is considered the most scientifically accurate measuring tool to determine body fat and muscle mass distribution as it utalises X-ray technology. Dexa scanning technology also tracks visceral fat (bad fat), that surrounds an individuals organs, a good indicator for determining risk of chronic disease.
As extensive studies have shown the risks of all-cause mortality are significantly correlated with body composition 1 , it is clear to see why more and more informed general and health practitioners are referring individuals for DEXA scans not only to determine Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scores, but to also have a clear measureing tool to track an inidivudal risk of chronic disease and track body composition changes and get an accurate health risk indication.
1 Dong B, Peng Y, Wang Z, Adegbija O, Hu J, et al. (2018) Joint association between body fat and its distribution with all-cause mortality: A data linkage cohort study based on NHANES (1988-2011). PLOS ONE 13(2): e0193368. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0193368