DEXA scan

agent99oz
agent99oz Posts: 185 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all

I had a DEXA scan today and I am keen to hear from others that have had a scan - what were your readings etc and did you find it helped with over fat loss, did you see much loss between scans? I am thinking I will go back in 6 weeks to scan again - is this long enough??

Thanks all

Replies

  • agent99oz
    agent99oz Posts: 185 Member
    Anyone?
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    sorry only one I have had recently was to check for bone denisty...

    But based on my readings Dexa scans are what you do for BF% readings (best way)...I am sure that the readings will be great.
  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    I had my first DXA scan on Tuesday. Had a hydro on the same day. They reported data was pretty similar (as expected). The DXA was helpful in that it showed me a snapshot of my bone density, which, while decent, is perhaps not as good as I would have hoped. Prompted me to pay more attention to calcium + vitamin D, so, a good thing.

    I have had a hydro test done now three times, with three months between them (so first one was 6 months ago). The first one was very helpful to me at setting a baseline of where I was. The second one was super helpful as I was losing weight for most of that 3 month period but trying very hard preserve muscle mass to the greatest extent possible -- genetics plays a big part in that process, so the second test gave me insight into how capable at preserving muscle and losing fat my approach was having. This last test was helpful because I have been bulking (intentionally gaining weight) and wanted to see how much lean mass I had added and how much fat (pretty much can't avoid the latter) -- again gave me some insight into what I am capable of. I now have a better sense of what to expect from a cutting and a bulking protocol, which is enormously satisfying just having that direct knowledge.

    I love having access to the data. I will likely continue to get hydro'd every three months when the van / tech comes around to my workplace gym. I may or may not get another DXA scan. The hydros are $35 for me and the DXA is $85 - not sure it is worth the extra cash for the DXA.
  • agent99oz
    agent99oz Posts: 185 Member
    The dexa is cheaper than hydro here. I may try that in about 6 months. Thanks for the replies :smile:
  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    The dexa is cheaper than hydro here. I may try that in about 6 months. Thanks for the replies :smile:

    I forgot -- if you're interested in the actual data (I am a data *kitten*!) I posted a thread with my DXA vs Hydro, and it contains links to my prior threads re: hydro testing the previous two times. It might be interesting to see the changes in reported body composition for me if only to help you determine when and whether to go get another DXA done. I found my second hydro to be the most satisfying as between the first and the second I was trying reasonably hard to lose fat but preserve muscle and the results indicated my approach worked pretty well for me. The most recent thread is here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1279724-round-3-dxa-versus-hydro-a-comparison
  • agent99oz
    agent99oz Posts: 185 Member
    Thanks interesting reading. Great results too btw:smile:

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