Why the Scale Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Probably like you, I used the scale as a measure, not only of my weight, but also how "good or bad" I was eating, how high my self-esteem was, or how much I might loathe myself on any given day. I thought my weight was the best and truest reflection of my overall health.
Spoiler alert. The number on the scale doesn't tell us much about our health. What's important to know for optimizing health (and lifespan), is understanding and tracking body composition, i.e. the ratio of lean mass (which refers to all of the body's components except fat) to fat mass (which refers to the body's stored fat).
Understanding Body Composition and Metabolic Health
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy. Unhealthy bodies are not able to respond to food in ways that reduce risk to problematic health conditions such as: obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, insulin resistance, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride imbalances, slowed metabolism, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A body that has less fat mass and more lean mass, is a healthier body because lean mass is more metabolically active, and improves overall health.
My Experience with DEXA Body Composition Scans
DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) body composition scans are the gold standard for providing detailed insight into metabolic health, and for assessing the amounts of muscle, fat and bone due to their high level of accuracy and precision.
DEXA scans can help us set realistic health and fitness goals, track our progress, and make informed decisions about nutrition and training that can move us in the direction of our goals.
I received my first DEXA scan in November - it was super easy, took just 10 minutes and I had the results the same day. That scan was a game-changer for me, and resulted in changes I made to what I eat (more protein) and to the way I train (more resistance and heavy weights).
If you're interested in getting your own DEXA scan to find out what your body composition is, I'd like to share my referral link for a discount on your first BodySpec DEXA scan.
Special Offer from BodySpec
Use this link to get $10 off your First DEXA Scan
Have you had a DEXA body composition scan?
Would you like to learn more about how a DEXA scan can help you improve your health?
I can help you.
Reach out to schedule a free discovery call today.
I'm Lisa Thompson, a Functional Nutritionist (FNTP) and I'd like to guide you on a journey to optimal health by providing education, support, accountability, motivation and inspiration. Using a holistic approach, I look deeply at how all of our inter-dependent systems work uniquely, and specifically in each of us- keeping in mind the bigger picture and LIFESTYLE choices that impact our well-being. For instance: how and when we eat, whether we get good sleep, what role exercise plays in our life, and how community, friends, family and belief systems impact our health and vitality.
I am currently taking new clients at this time and would love to work with you.
Email me: lisa@lisamarlenethompson.com