Lipodensitometry
Lipodensitometry, also called body densitometry, is a medical examination that accurately measures the amount of body fat, in addition to muscle and bone mass distribution. This examination provides very detailed information about body composition.
Why use lipodensitometry?
1. Metabolic disease risk assessment
Information about body fat, especially surrounding the internal organs, also known as visceral fat, can help assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic disorders.
2. Medical monitoring
Lipodensitometry is a valuable tool for people undergoing treatment, particularly for weight loss. It is also useful for those on medical treatment that may alter their body composition, as in the case of certain cancer or osteoporosis treatments.
3. Physical condition analysis
Used in the fields of sports and nutrition, lipodensitometry can be used to accurately monitor progress in terms of muscle mass gain or fat mass reduction.
This examination is a highly accurate monitoring and assessment tool, both for healthcare professionals and individuals interested in obtaining a detailed analysis of their body composition.
Lipodensitometry examination procedure
Here is how the procedure works:
1. Preparation
- You will change into a hospital gown, which will be provided to you.
- You will be asked to remove your jewellery and other metal objects, which can interfere with image quality.
2. Examination
- You will lie comfortably on the examination table.
- During the examination, it will be important to remain still while an X-ray machine will move slowly above your body and take images of your body fat mass.
3. Analysis and results
- The images will be analyzed by a radiologist, who will send the report to your healthcare professional.
Duration of the visit
Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the total duration of your visit, even though the examination procedure itself will only last approximately 30 minutes.
Preparing for the lipodensitometry examination
- For 14 days before your appointment: avoid any x-rays and nuclear medicine tests involving contrast agents.
- For 48 hours before your appointment: stop taking calcium tablets or multivitamins.
- For 4 hours before your appointment: do not eat or drink anything, except water.
- For at least 24 hours before your appointment: avoid strenuous physical activity, such as weight training or sustained workouts, as these may affect the distribution of fluids in your body.
- Make sure that you are not pregnant at the time of your appointment.
A medical prescription is required to perform this examination. The cost of this examination is not covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
If your health care professional has prescribed this test for you or you have any questions, please call us at 1-833-590-2714.
