{"id":798760,"date":"2024-01-12T16:33:38","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T16:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-smart-fitness-goals-to-kickstart-the-new-year-copy\/"},"modified":"2024-04-12T13:10:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T13:10:53","slug":"blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Lose Fat with a DEXA Scan for Body Fat"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=&#8221;50px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Open Sans||||||||&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; ul_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">How to lose fat sustainably doesn\u2019t need to be a mystery \u2013 and the key is working with your body, not against it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Unlike online BMR calculators that don\u2019t take body composition into account, a DEXA scan for body fat sets you up for long-term fat loss success via a precise estimation of your metabolic rate. If your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-smart-fitness-goals-to-kickstart-the-new-year\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">New Year\u2019s resolution or SMART goal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> includes body recomposition or fat loss, then this is the article for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at what a DEXA scan is, answer some key DEXA FAQs, and offer a step-by-step guide to losing body fat using the results of a DEXA scan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_DEXA_scan_for_body_fat\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is a DEXA scan for body fat?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#What_is_a_DEXA_scan_for_body_fat\" >What is a DEXA scan for body fat?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#How_accurate_are_body_composition_scans\" >How accurate are body composition scans?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#How_long_does_a_DEXA_scan_take\" >How long does a DEXA scan take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#How_much_does_a_DEXA_scan_cost\" >How much does a DEXA scan cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Can_a_DEXA_scan_help_me_to_lose_body_fat\" >Can a DEXA scan help me to lose body fat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#What_are_the_benefits_of_a_DEXA_scan_for_fat_loss\" >What are the benefits of a DEXA scan for fat loss?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#How_to_use_a_DEXA_scan_to_lose_body_fat\" >How to use a DEXA scan to lose body fat<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Step_1_Book_a_DEXA_scan_for_body_composition\" >Step 1: Book a DEXA scan for body composition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Step_2_Receive_your_DEXA_scan\" >Step 2: Receive your DEXA scan\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Step_3_Interpret_your_results\" >Step 3: Interpret your results<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Step_4_Set_a_calorie_goal\" >Step 4: Set a calorie goal\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Step_5_Retest_reassess_and_adapt_accordingly\" >Step 5: Retest, reassess, and adapt accordingly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-lose-fat-with-a-dexa-scan-for-body-fat\/#Hit_your_fat_loss_goal_with_a_DEXA_scan_at_My_Vital_Metrics\" >Hit your fat loss goal with a DEXA scan at My Vital Metrics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan can be used for two main purposes: to measure bone density and to assess body composition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A DEXA scan passes two low-level X-ray beams over the body to create a high-resolution image \u2013 either of your spine or hip, (in the case of a bone density scan), or of your entire body (in the case of a body composition scan).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is the gold standard in body composition analysis and gives you a detailed breakdown of total mass, percentage, and distribution of your body fat, lean mass, and visceral fat. You can read more about the body composition data that a DEXA provides in our blog article: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-what-does-a-body-composition-scan-show\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">What does a body composition scan show?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you\u2019re wondering how to measure body fat, a DEXA scan is the most accurate way to do so.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_accurate_are_body_composition_scans\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How accurate are body composition scans?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The accuracy of a body composition scan depends on the type of scan in question. A DEXA scan is a precise and reliable way to assess your body composition. Unlike <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-accurate-are-body-fat-scales\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">body fat scales<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 which utilise bioelectrical impedance analysis \u2013 a DEXA scan can measure levels of visceral fat, as well as offer a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8122302\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">higher degree of accuracy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> for measuring body fat mass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_DEXA_scan_take\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How long does a DEXA scan take?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A DEXA scan is very efficient, taking approximately 4 minutes to complete. An appointment for a DEXA scan will typically be longer, including time for you to prepare for the scan and get changed, as well as time dedicated to talking through your DEXA results and crafting a personalised action plan. You can expect to spend approximately <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">45 minutes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> at your DEXA scan appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_DEXA_scan_cost\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How much does a DEXA scan cost?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A single DEXA scan for body fat in the UK costs in the range of \u00a3125-200. Here at My Vital Metrics, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/pricing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">single scan DEXA for body composition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> costs \u00a3149, inclusive of your full DEXA report, complimentary 3D body scan, expert consultation, caloric estimate, and personalised action plan.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The price of a DEXA scan will depend on whether the scan is for body composition, bone density, or both, as well as your location and choice of provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_DEXA_scan_help_me_to_lose_body_fat\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Can a DEXA scan help me to lose body fat?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In short, yes! A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan for body fat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can offer a great starting place for a range of fitness goals, including a goal to lose weight, lose body fat, or build lean muscle mass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">How does a DEXA scan help with fat loss?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In addition to providing you with accurate data on your current body composition, including body fat percentage and visceral fat, a DEXA scan allows for an estimate of your basal metabolic rate (BMR). From this, we can calculate an appropriate calorie goal to facilitate fat loss. Knowing your body\u2019s metabolic rate takes the guesswork out of calorie counting, and lets you create a reliable calorie deficit \u2013 essential for fat loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_benefits_of_a_DEXA_scan_for_fat_loss\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What are the benefits of a DEXA scan for fat loss?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In addition to giving you an estimate of your metabolic rate, a DEXA scan also provides precise information on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Fat mass and distribution<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Visceral fat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Android: gynoid ratio<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Fat-free body weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Muscle mass and distribution<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Muscular balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Bone density\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">This makes DEXA a powerful tool for a whole range of fitness goals, fat loss included.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_use_a_DEXA_scan_to_lose_body_fat\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How to use a DEXA scan to lose body fat<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Now that we\u2019ve outlined what a DEXA scan is and how it can help with a goal to lose body fat, let\u2019s take a look at how to get started:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Book_a_DEXA_scan_for_body_composition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Step 1: Book a DEXA scan for body composition<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">First, book a DEXA scan for body composition with a trusted provider. Make sure to check that the type of DEXA you\u2019re booking is for body composition specifically \u2013 most services offer DEXA scans for bone density, but not body composition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Unlike medical DEXA scans, which tend to focus on a specific body area, a DEXA scan for body fat requires a scan of your entire body \u2013 make sure you opt for a provider who can offer this. Additionally, you\u2019ll want to choose a provider who can give you unadjusted DEXA results. Some DEXA providers are still using an outdated calibration known as the NHANES calibration, which adjusts your results to add an additional 5% to your body fat measurement \u2013 this calibration has been shown to not be scientifically valid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">At <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">My Vital Metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, we offer unadjusted DEXA scans for body composition, and bone density, and a combined option that lets you receive both sets of data from a single DEXA scan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Receive_your_DEXA_scan\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Step 2: Receive your DEXA scan\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Next, attend your DEXA appointment. Once you arrive, you\u2019ll be greeted by the DEXA technician, and asked a few questions about your overall health, as well as your fitness goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">When it\u2019s time for your scan, you\u2019ll be asked to remove clothing and any jewellery (you\u2019ll be provided with a gown to wear), before lying on the DEXA scanner. The DEXA technician will position you on the bed, and the scan will take approximately 4 minutes to complete. A DEXA scan is a non-invasive, quiet, and painless procedure \u2013 and isn\u2019t enclosed, so you won\u2019t feel claustrophobic \u2013 simply lie back and wait for the scan to be complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For more information on the DEXA scan procedure, you can watch our full explainer of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">how a DEXA scan works<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Interpret_your_results\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Step 3: Interpret your results<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CleanShot-2022-12-01-at-20.37.43@2x.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;A sample DEXA body composition report.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;CleanShot 2022-12-01 at 20.37.43@2x&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Next, the provider of your DEXA scan will talk you through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/the-full-details-of-a-dexa-scan-report\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">the details of your DEXA report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">This will include a detailed breakdown of your body fat (percentage and distribution), lean mass, visceral fat, and (if you requested this option) bone density. The technician will be able to answer any questions you have about your results, and work with you to create a personalised action plan for meeting your fitness goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Based on the information you receive, you might want to compare your results to a body fat percentage chart for your age and sex:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/MVM_BODYFATCHART_NEW.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;My Vital Metrics body fat percentage chart for men and women. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MVM_BODYFATCHART_NEW&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Similarly, you can compare your visceral fat levels to a visceral fat chart to estimate your risk level: <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Screenshot-2023-11-03-at-18.46.16.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;The chart shows the visceral fat ranges that are considered to be %22ideal%22, %22at increased risk of cardiovascular disease%22, and %22at high risk of cardiovascular disease%22, respectively.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2023-11-03 at 18.46.16&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Visceral fat is a crucial metric when considering your overall body fat percentage. Also known as \u201chidden\u201d fat \u2013 as it largely isn\u2019t visible unless measured directly \u2013 visceral fat is stored in our abdominal cavity, and high levels present a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Regardless of whether you have fat loss as a goal, considering the visceral fat results from your DEXA scan is a great way to prioritise your overall health. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Set_a_calorie_goal\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Step 4: Set a calorie goal\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">After you\u2019ve received your DEXA results, the next step is to work with your provider to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/turning-a-dexa-or-rmr-into-an-action-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">create a personalised action plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> based on your health and fitness goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For the goal of fat loss, this typically involves the creation of a personalised calorie goal. This begins with calculating your BMR (basal metabolic rate) and TDEE (total daily energy expenditure).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Unlike a standard BMR and TDEE calculator that you can find online, working with the results of a DEXA scan lets you create a much more accurate caloric estimate. While online calculators take into account basic variables such as height, weight, and an estimate of activity level, our caloric needs vary considerably based on our body composition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To lose body fat, set a calorie goal that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Creates a caloric deficit (this is a requirement for fat loss; consider 500 kcal daily)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Is no lower than your basal metabolic rate (BMR)\/ resting metabolic rate (RMR)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Takes into account your activity level\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Is sustainable for at least 12 weeks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Let\u2019s consider a couple of examples of what this could look like in practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Person A<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">has a low level of muscle mass, is lightly active, has a BMR of 1200 and a TDEE of 1590, and has a goal of fat loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">It would be difficult for Person A to create a significant caloric deficit without dipping below their BMR \u2013 which is medically unsafe. A good working solution here would be for Person A to increase their activity level, increasing their TDEE to ~1860. This would allow Person A to create a caloric deficit of 500 kcal daily by aiming for a calorie goal of 1360 kcal per day \u2013 still above their BMR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Person B <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">has a higher level of muscle mass, is quite active, has a BMR of 1900 and a TDEE of 2945, and has a goal of fat loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Person B has the space to create a significant caloric deficit without adjusting their current activity level. Creating a deficit of 500 kcal daily would give Person B a calorie goal of 2445 kcal per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">As with any fitness goal, it\u2019s important to make sure that your caloric needs are personalised to your body and personal circumstances \u2013 and a DEXA scan for body composition makes that possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Want to create a calorie goal, but aren\u2019t able to get a DEXA scan?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Even if you don\u2019t have the results of a DEXA scan or RMR test, you can still use our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/calculators\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Basal Metabolic Rate and TDEE Calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> to provide an estimate of your caloric needs. Plus, if you have existing results from a DEXA scan or RMR, you can input these into the calculator to gain a more accurate caloric estimate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Retest_reassess_and_adapt_accordingly\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Step 5: Retest, reassess, and adapt accordingly<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Once you have your calorie goal, it\u2019s time to put it into action!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">With any fat loss goal, it\u2019s a smart idea to check-in on your progress regularly and adapt if you need to. If you aren\u2019t noticing the results you\u2019re hoping for, and you\u2019ve been consistent for at least 4 weeks, it might be time to adapt your calorie goal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">After 2 months, you can consider <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">booking a repeat DEXA scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> to view your progress! While 2 months is the minimum amount of time that\u2019s safe for you to receive a repeat scan, the time frame will depend on your specific goals. Some people choose to receive a repeat scan after 3, 4, or 6 months. This is a great opportunity to celebrate\u00a0 the results of your hard work, reassess your goals, and set new ones.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hit_your_fat_loss_goal_with_a_DEXA_scan_at_My_Vital_Metrics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Hit your fat loss goal with a DEXA scan at My Vital Metrics<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A DEXA scan is the gold-standard in body composition testing, and is the best way to set yourself up for sustainable fat-loss success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Reach out to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">My Vital Metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> to book your free fitness consultation, or b<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">ook a DEXA scan for body fat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> at My Vital Metrics today!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to lose fat sustainably doesn\u2019t need to be a mystery \u2013 and the key is working with your body, not against it.\u00a0 Unlike online BMR calculators that don\u2019t take body composition into account, a DEXA scan for body fat sets you up for long-term fat loss success via a precise estimation of your metabolic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":798763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[38,12,32,59],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-798760","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-body-comp","category-dexa","category-fitlife","category-health-and-fitness-testing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798760","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=798760"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798760\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/798763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=798760"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=798760"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=798760"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}