As the dogwoods bloom in Atlanta and the countdown to the Peachtree Road Race begins, many of us are hitting the 'reset' button. Whether you are a new mom reclaiming your strength, a patient navigating weight loss with GLP-1 medications, an individual planning for or recovering from bariatric surgery, or an athlete aiming for a PR, one truth remains: The scale can be a liar.
If you want to transform your body this spring, you need to stop measuring weight and start measuring composition.
Top 5 Reasons to Get a DEXA Scan Before Your New Health Regimen
Establish a Clinical Baseline: Start your spring program with absolute data. You can't manage what you don't measure with precision.
Protect Your Metabolism: Ensure your weight loss is coming from fat, not the vital muscle mass that keeps your metabolism high.
Identify Hidden Health Risks: Measure Visceral Fat—the dangerous, 'hidden' fat stored around your organs that increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Correct Muscle Imbalances: See exactly which side of your body is working harder—vital for avoiding injury during Peachtree Road Race training.
Data-Driven Motivation: See your 'invisible wins.' When the scale doesn't move but your fat is dropping and muscle is climbing, DEXA proves your hard work is paying off.
Table of Contents
1. The Gold Standard: What is a DEXA Scan?
Most fitness journeys fail because the scale doesn't tell the whole story. You can lose 5 pounds on the scale but actually be losing vital muscle mass while keeping dangerous body fat.
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the medical-grade Gold Standard of body analysis. It allows our team to look beneath the surface to see:
Lean Muscle Mass: Total and regional (per limb) breakdown.
Body Fat Percentage: The most accurate metric of your true fitness.
Bone Density: Essential for runners and post-pregnancy recovery to prevent stress fractures.
2. Specialized Focus: Tailored Support for Your Journey
Bariatric Surgery Patients (Pre-Op & Post-Op)
For those planning or recovering from weight loss surgery, DEXA is an essential survival tool. We monitor your 'quality of weight loss,' helping to ensure your muscles stay strong as the pounds come off.
GLP-1 Medication Users
Medications like Zepbound or Ozempic can cause rapid weight loss, but they can also carry a high risk of muscle wasting. Our team uses DEXA technology as part of our program to guide your nutrition and exercise to keep you toned and prevent 'skinny fat' outcomes.
Post-Pregnancy Recovery
Rebuild core strength safely. We help new moms monitor bone density and tissue changes to ensure a healthy, data-backed return to a fitness routine as they work with their Primary Care Physician.
Athletes (Ages 20–40)
Optimize your power-to-weight ratio for the Peachtree Road Race. By knowing your precise body composition, our In-Office Registered Dietitians can fine-tune your 'race day fuel' for peak performance.
3. Expert Guidance: Award-Winning Oversight
At Atlanta Bariatrics, your data is interpreted by a team representing the pinnacle of medical expertise.
Elite Surgical Leadership: Your health plan is overseen by Dr. Christopher J. Hart (Mayo Clinic trained and Castle Connolly Top Doctor) and Dr. William H. Johnson (Duke University Fellowship trained).
Best of Georgia: As Best of Georgia winners for several years running, our surgeons ensure your data is translated into a safe, medically sound strategy.
Nutrition: Our Registered Dietitians use your scan results to help build customized meal plans that target fat loss while protecting your hard-earned muscle.
4. Preparation & Procedure: What to Expect for a DEXA Scan
To ensure the most accurate data, please follow these guidelines:
Arrival: Arrive 15 minutes early to sign forms.
Attire: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal (no zippers, snaps, or underwire bras).
Supplements: Do not take multivitamins with calcium or calcium supplements 24 hours prior.
The Day of: Stay adequately hydrated and empty your bladder before the exam. Avoid overly heavy meals.
Capacity: Our DEXA scanner has a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
Time: The scan itself takes only 6 minutes; expect approximately 30 minutes total for the visit.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scan safe?A: Yes. The radiation dose is extremely low—roughly equivalent to a cross-country flight.
Q: Do I need a referral? A: No. We welcome fitness enthusiasts, runners, and anyone in the Atlanta community looking for professional-grade body analysis.
Ready to See What You’re Made Of?
Stop guessing about your health. Get the data you need from the Best of Georgia surgeons you trust and the support you deserve from our expert dietitians.
Atlanta Bariatrics 📍 6920 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Suite 340, Suwanee, GA 30024
📞 Phone:(770) 232-9252
🌐 Website: www.atlantabariatrics.com
Inspire your life. Invest in your health.
Atlanta Bariatrics – Real People. Real Stories. Real
Medical Expertise Behind This DEXA Scan Content
This article was written and medically reviewed by the board-certified surgeons of Atlanta Bariatrics, a Best of Georgia–recognized practice offering medical-grade DEXA scans in Atlanta.
Dr. Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS, and Dr. William H. Johnson, MD, FACS, bring decades of experience in body composition analysis, weight loss, and muscle preservation. Dr. Hart completed his surgical residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, while Dr. Johnson completed an elite fellowship at Duke University, a global leader in medical innovation. Their team uses DEXA data to help their weight loss patients and active individuals monitor fat loss, reduce the risk of muscle loss during GLP-1 therapy, and support safe training goals—whether preparing for everyday fitness or Atlanta events like the Peachtree Road Race.
All content is based on evidence-based medicine and real-world clinical care.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article, including text, graphics, and images, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Use of the DEXA Scan and participation in nutrition programs at Atlanta Bariatrics are subject to clinical screening and medical necessity as determined by our board-certified surgeons.
