You have been eating well, staying active and checking the scale, but the number barely moves. At the same time, your clothes may fit differently, your midsection may feel softer or your body may simply look different than it used to.
That can be frustrating, but the scale only tells you how much you weigh. It does not tell you what that weight is made of. A body composition scan at Aeon in Calgary can give you a clearer look at what is happening beneath the number, including your lean mass, body fat, bone and where fat is being stored.
Why the Scale Does Not Tell the Whole Story
A bathroom scale gives you one number: your total body weight. What it cannot tell you is how much of that weight comes from muscle, fat or bone. That means two people of the same height and weight can have very different body compositions.
BMI has a similar limitation because it is based only on height and weight. Canada’s adult obesity clinical practice guideline notes that BMI alone is not an accurate way to identify all health risks related to body fat [1]. So, if your body looks or feels different even though your weight has stayed the same, your body composition may be changing.
Some common reasons include:
- Changes in muscle mass: Muscle can gradually decrease with age, especially without regular strength training.
- Hormonal changes: Perimenopause, menopause and lower testosterone levels can affect muscle mass and where fat is stored.
- Stress and sleep: Ongoing stress and poor-quality sleep may affect appetite, hormones and abdominal fat storage.
- Changes in activity: Less movement or strength training can shift the balance between muscle and body fat.
Lean Mass, Body Fat and Visceral Fat: What Do They Mean?
Body composition looks at more than just body fat.
- Lean mass – Includes muscle, organs, water, and other non-fat tissues. Muscles are especially important because they help support strength, balance, metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. Maintaining healthy muscle mass can also make everyday activities, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries and staying active, feel easier as you age.
- Body fat – Plays an essential role in your overall health. Your body needs fat to store energy, support hormone function, protect vital organs, and help regulate body temperature. However, both the amount of body fat you carry and where it’s stored can influence your long-term health. A body composition scan can help you better understand these measurements beyond what you see on the scale.
- Visceral fat –I s fat stored deep within the abdomen, surrounding organs such as the liver and intestines. Unlike fat just beneath your skin, visceral fat isn’t something you can easily see or measure by looking in the mirror or pinching your waist. Higher levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic health concerns, even when your weight or BMI appears healthy. A DEXA body composition scan may provide a more detailed estimate of visceral fat, helping you better understand your health beyond the number on the scale [2].
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to measure different types of tissue in your body. It is commonly known for measuring bone density, but it can also provide a detailed breakdown of your body composition.
A DEXA body composition scan can measure:
- Total body fat percentage
- Lean mass in your arms, legs and trunk
- Estimated visceral fat
- Bone density
- Differences between the left and right sides of your body
The scan is non-invasive. You simply lie on a padded table while the scanning arm moves over your body. Your results can give you a useful baseline to compare over time, especially if you are making changes to your nutrition, exercise routine or overall health plan.
Comparing Body Composition Testing Options in Calgary
If you are looking for body fat testing at Aeon in Calgary, there are a few different options.
Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA)
BIA sends a small electrical current through the body to estimate fat and lean mass. It is quick and widely available, but results may change depending on factors such as hydration, meals and recent exercise.
Skinfold Calipers
Skinfold testing measures the thickness of fat under the skin in several areas of the body. Results can depend on the person taking the measurements, and this method cannot measure visceral fat.
DEXA
DEXA measures fat, lean tissue and bone in different areas of the body and can also estimate visceral fat. It does involve a small amount of radiation.Each method has its place. The best option depends on what you want to learn and how you plan to use the information.You can also read Why Am I Always Tired? for more information about other common causes of fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Composition Scans
Why Does My Body Look Different If My Weight Has Not Changed?
Your weight can stay the same while your muscle and body fat change.
For example, losing muscle while gaining fat may change your shape without causing a big change on the scale. A body composition scan can help show where those changes may be happening.
How Accurate Is a DEXA Scan for Measuring Body Fat?
DEXA is commonly used in both clinical and research settings to assess body composition. Like any test, results can vary slightly between visits or machines. If you are tracking changes over time, it is helpful to use the same machine and similar testing conditions whenever possible.
Is a DEXA Body Composition Scan Covered by Alberta Health?
DEXA scans for body composition may not be covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Contact the Aeon Future Health team for current pricing and coverage details before booking.
How Often Should I Get a Body Composition Scan?
It depends on what you are tracking. Some people repeat their scan every few months while working on changes in nutrition, strength, fitness or hormone health. Your care team can recommend a schedule that makes sense for your goals.
Where Can I Get a Body Composition Scan in Calgary?
Aeon Future Health offers DEXA body composition scans at our Beltline clinic in Calgary. Body composition scanning is also included as part of our Health Assessment.
Look Beyond the Number on the Scale
If your body is changing but the number on the scale is not, there may be more going on beneath the surface. Understanding your muscle mass, body fat and visceral fat can give you and your care team a clearer picture of your health and help guide decisions around nutrition, exercise and your overall wellness plan.
If you would like support turning those results into a personalized plan, explore our weight changes program.
Your Weight Is Only One Part of The Picture
Discover what’s happening beyond the scale with a clearer understanding of your body composition, including lean mass, body fat and visceral fat. Book your complimentary consultation today with the team at AEON Future Health to explore your options and learn how these insights can help you make informed decisions about your health. Prefer to speak with someone? Call 403-454-8477 to get started.
Dr. Jonathan Bastian, MD
References
1. Wharton S, Lau DCW, Vallis M, Sharma AM, et al. Obesity in adults: a clinical practice guideline. CMAJ. 2020;192(31):E875-E891. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/31/E875
2. Zhu K, Walsh JP, Hunter M, Murray K, Hui J, Hung J. Longitudinal associations of DXA-measured visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic risk in middle-to-older aged adults. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S093947532400245X
