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A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is an advanced imaging procedure for measuring bone density and composition. DEXA scans utilize two different energy levels of low-dose X-ray beams—one absorbed mostly by soft tissue, and the other absorbed mainly by bone—to differentiate between bone, fat, and lean tissue. In so doing, they provide noninvasive and detailed information about bone health, risk of osteoporosis or fractures, and body composition. While medical practioners typically perform DEXA scans on the lower spine and hips, they can also perform DEXA scans on the whole body for the purposes of early detection and intervention.

In our multi-part DEXA series, we go deep into DEXA scans: what they measure, how to interpret them, and how to use information from your own DEXA scan for healthspan optimization. Part I covers fundamental concepts related to body composition and its evaluation, current tools available for measuring body composition as well as their strengths and limitations, and Matt's personal experiences with DEXA scans.

0:00 Trailer
0:33 Introduction
2:05 What is body composition?
3:07 The difference between tissues and organs
3:56 A systems approach to health
4:16 Types of tissues a DEXA scan assesses
5:29 Mass versus weight, lean mass versus fat mass
11:19 Tools available to assess body composition + their pros/cons
17:27 A core limitation of most body composition analysis tools
18:52 How DEXA scans work
20:55 Two DEXA scan use cases
23:33 How DEXA scans give us insights into our health
29:20 Interpreting Matt's first DEXA scan
37:36 Matt's recommendations + incorporating DEXAs into standard medical care

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

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https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this channel I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these videos helpful!