Last Updated: July 18, 2025
by The Bionicc Body Screening Team
In the journey toward optimal health, understanding what’s happening inside your body is as crucial as what you see on the outside. While scales and mirrors offer some clues, advanced technologies provide a deeper, more accurate picture. At Bionicc Body Screening, we specialize in advanced full body MRI screenings, offering unparalleled insights into your internal health.
While our focus is on comprehensive MRI technology, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge about all valuable tools for health optimization, including DEXA scans. Learn More About Bionicc Body Screening’s Full Body MRI Services
If you’re in the Michigan area, particularly near Southfield or in the Metro Detroit area, and are considering a proactive step in managing your health, a DEXA scan offers invaluable insights.
What is a DEXA Scan and How Does it Work?
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a quick, non-invasive imaging technique that uses two low-dose X-ray beams to differentiate between bone, lean muscle mass, and fat mass. This detailed breakdown provides a much more comprehensive understanding of your body than traditional methods like BMI (Body Mass Index) or standard body weight measurements. It’s widely recognized for its precision in assessing both bone density and body composition, including the critical measurement of visceral fat.
The procedure is simple and comfortable. You’ll lie still on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over your body. The entire scan typically takes only a few minutes, and you can remain fully clothed (though you’ll be asked to remove any metal objects). The radiation exposure is minimal, comparable to the amount you’d receive on a cross-country flight.
Why Bone Density Matters: Preventing Osteoporosis
Your bones are living tissue, constantly being broken down and rebuilt. As we age, this process can become unbalanced, leading to a loss of bone density. This condition, known as osteopenia, can progress to osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and susceptible to fractures.
- Early Detection with DEXA: A DEXA scan is the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis early, often before any symptoms appear. This allows for timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments to preserve bone health and reduce fracture risk.
- Monitoring Bone Health Progress: For individuals undergoing treatment for bone density issues, regular DEXA scans can effectively track the effectiveness of therapies and guide adjustments to your health plan.
Understanding Visceral Fat: The Hidden Health Risk
While subcutaneous fat (the fat you can pinch under your skin) is visible, visceral fat is the fat that accumulates around your internal organs in the abdominal cavity. This “hidden” fat is a significant concern because it’s metabolically active and can release inflammatory substances that increase your risk for a host of serious health problems.
- Associated Health Risks of Visceral Fat:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Certain cancers
A DEXA scan provides a precise measurement of your visceral fat, helping you understand your individual risk profile. This knowledge empowers you to make targeted lifestyle changes to reduce visceral fat and improve your overall metabolic health. The Cleveland Clinic provides further information on the risks associated with excess visceral fat.
Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?
While a DEXA scan can be beneficial for almost anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their body composition, it’s particularly recommended for:
- Women over 65 and men over 70 for bone density screening.
- Individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., family history, certain medications, specific medical conditions).
- Those looking to optimize their fitness and nutrition plans with precise body composition data.
- Individuals aiming to monitor changes in muscle mass and fat levels as part of a weight management or athletic training program.
- Anyone concerned about their visceral fat levels and associated health risks.
Taking the Next Step: Your Health Journey in Michigan
Understanding your bone density and visceral fat levels can be a game-changer for your health. While Bionicc Body Screening focuses on advanced full body MRI screenings, which provide unparalleled detailed anatomical insights, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge about all tools available for proactive health optimization.
For those in the Southfield and wider Michigan area specifically interested in getting a DEXA scan, we highly recommend Best of Life N of 1 in Northville. They offer holistic, integrative care, including DEXA scans and can provide detailed analysis of your results, helping you interpret the data and take informed action for your well-being.
Visit Best of Life N of 1 for DEXA Scan in Northville to learn more and schedule your scan.
Discover comprehensive insights into your health with a Full Body MRI.
Take control of your health with the detailed insights a DEXA scan can provide, and complement it with Bionicc Body Screening’s advanced MRI services. It’s an investment in understanding your body better and making truly informed decisions for a healthier future.
By The Bionicc Body Screening Team At Bionicc Body Screening, our team of professionals is dedicated to providing cutting-edge full body MRI screenings and empowering individuals with knowledge to proactively manage their health. We combine advanced technology with a client-centric approach to deliver comprehensive insights and peace of mind. Learn more about whole and full body MRI scans.