Metabolic & Bone Health

A metabolic and bone health assessment is a structured evaluation of body composition, bone density and liver health. At MBR Health, this may include DEXA body composition, DEXA bone density scanning, quantitative liver MRI and ultrasound elastography depending on the clinical question.

MBR Health provides DEXA scanning on the Gold Coast for body composition assessment, bone density testing and metabolic health tracking. DEXA can help measure lean mass, fat mass, visceral fat and bone density with more detail than weight or BMI alone.

A DEXA body composition scan uses dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure fat mass, lean mass and bone mass. It can provide regional information, helping show where fat and muscle are distributed across the body.

DEXA body composition focuses on fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat and regional body composition. A bone density scan focuses on bone mineral density, osteopenia, osteoporosis and fracture risk. Both use DEXA technology, but they answer different clinical questions.

DEXA provides more detailed regional measurement of fat, lean mass and bone than most consumer smart scales or bioimpedance devices. Bioimpedance can be affected by hydration, timing, device quality and algorithm assumptions. DEXA is generally more precise for tracking body composition over time.

Yes. DEXA body composition can estimate visceral adipose tissue, which is fat stored around internal organs. Visceral fat is important because it is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiometabolic risk.

A bone density scan measures bone mineral density and helps assess osteopenia, osteoporosis and fracture risk. DXA is the preferred method for measuring bone mineral density because it has excellent precision, minimal radiation and is useful for predicting fracture and monitoring treatment.

A bone density scan may be considered for people with risk factors such as age over 70, menopause, family history of osteoporosis, prior low-trauma fracture, long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, certain medications or medical conditions affecting bone health. Your doctor can advise whether bone density testing and Medicare eligibility apply.

Medicare rebates for bone density scanning apply only in specific circumstances. Healthdirect notes that people aged over 70 years or people with certain medical conditions may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, and the MBS lists bone densitometry items for eligible patients aged 70 years and over. Body composition DEXA performed for private health tracking is generally not Medicare-rebated.

A referral is generally required if the scan is for bone density assessment and Medicare rebate eligibility. A referral may not be required for a private DEXA body composition scan, but patients should confirm booking requirements with MBR Health before attending.

No. DEXA uses a very low dose of ionising radiation. This dose is much lower than many other X-ray-based imaging tests, but it is still not radiation-free. MRI and ultrasound-based liver assessments do not use ionising radiation.

Quantitative liver MRI is an MRI-based assessment that can measure liver fat and liver iron. It does not use ionising radiation and may be useful for patients with suspected fatty liver disease, haemochromatosis risk, metabolic risk or abnormal liver blood tests.

Yes. MRI can quantify liver fat and may be used to assess hepatic steatosis, including fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction. This can provide additional information beyond routine blood tests in selected patients.

Ultrasound elastography, often known as FibroScan, measures liver stiffness. Liver stiffness can provide information about fibrosis or scarring risk in selected patients. It may be used alongside liver blood tests, liver MRI and clinical assessment.

Yes. Liver blood tests can be normal in some patients with fatty liver disease or early fibrosis. Imaging and elastography may provide additional structural and quantitative information when liver risk is suspected.

No. Metabolic imaging does not replace blood tests. Blood tests assess biochemical, hormonal and inflammatory markers. DEXA and quantitative imaging assess body composition, bone density, liver fat, liver iron and tissue characteristics. The best assessment often combines both.

This assessment may be considered for patients with metabolic risk, weight change, visceral fat concern, low muscle mass, osteoporosis risk, menopause, fatty liver disease, abnormal liver tests, haemochromatosis risk or preventative health goals. Suitability depends on the clinical question.

Yes. MBR Health offers the Executive Preventive Health Program for organisations looking to provide executive health screening for their leadership teams. The program uses precision, multi-modality whole-body imaging to screen for cancer, cardiac, metabolic, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions within a single, integrated pathway. Tailored group offerings are available for organisations. Please enquire directly to discuss your team’s requirements.