Critical analysis of dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry—measured body composition changes with voluntary weight loss
Authors' conclusion
These observations provide insights into and future guidance for analyzing the DXA-measured body composition changes associated with newer pharmacotherapies for weight loss.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with overweight and obesity treated with a macronutrient-balanced hypocaloric diet for 9–12 weeks
- Participants
- 43 vs 97
- Exposure
- Male vs female individuals on a macronutrient-balanced hypocaloric diet
- Malen = 43
- Femalen = 97reference
- Outcome
- Proportion of weight loss as DXA-measured lean soft tissue (LST)
- Follow-up
- After 9- to 12-week calorie restriction
Methodological detailsbefore-after DXA studies, 9- to 12-week calorie restriction
- Before-after DXA studies
- 9- to 12-week calorie restriction
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Proportion of weight loss as LST
P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Weight loss (% of baseline weight)
Change in fat-free mass (FFM) vs lean soft tissue (LST) (bone mineral content (BMC) paradoxically increased), male
- FFM vs LST change, mean (SD), kg
- −3.87 [1.73] kg vs. −3.92 [1.74] kg; p < 0.001
Change in FFM vs LST (BMC paradoxically increased), female
- FFM vs LST change, mean (SD), kg
- −2.22 [1.18] kg vs. −2.24 [1.18] kg; p < 0.001
Predictability of weight-loss composition
- Three different analyses showed composition of weight loss tracked as predicted a priori from weight change and baseline body composition
Original publication
Critical analysis of dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry—measured body composition changes with voluntary weight loss. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 3 March 2025. doi:10.
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