Body Composition

The human body is composed primarily of water, fat and minerals; yet the distribution of these elements can vary greatly by individual. By looking at distribution of fat (lean mass), physicians, nutritionists and sports trainers have access to a wealth of information that can help them assess patients and athletes for overall wellness and physical fitness.

DXA is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides highly accurate assessments of distribution of fat and lean mass (as well as bone density) throughout the body. The relatively low dose of DXA scanning is an advantage when monitoring body composition changes over time.

Adipose tissue is increasingly viewed as an important indicator of metabolic health and risk of cardiovascular disease¹. Specifically, excessive visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is related to increased cardiovascular risk, diabetes, liver disease and cancer^1,2. To assess fat and muscle distribution, body mass index (BMI) has been used for many years; however, because it is based only on height and weight, BMI is a poor predictor for metabolic risk. This is because it cannot account for differences in the actual distribution of fat, which varies between individuals². Using CoreScan and enCORE Software, healthcare providers can obtain measurements of Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (VAT and SAT) within the android region. Trending and reporting tools can report this information and show changes over time.

CoreScan software provides a detailed view of the android region’s composition – taking you well beyond alternative crude measures. Developed by GE HealthCare, android region measurement provides accessible, clinically validated data to support research and treatment of obesity-related conditions.

CoreScan software is the first application to quantify VAT using DXA technology – giving you a more in-depth view of body composition. CoreScan helps you advance clinical knowledge and improve disease assessment and management.

The sarcopenia software³ calculates values based on published definitions and thresholds using measured appendicular lean mass in combination with patient demographics and entered values of muscle strength and physical performance. These values may be useful to health care professionals in their management of sarcopenia.