What are the benefits and risks of whole-body CT scans and DEXA scans for body composition?

Whole-body CT scans and DEXA scans are two methods used to evaluate body composition. Whole-body CT scans use computed tomography to create cross-sectional images of the body, which can help detect early signs of diseases like lung cancer. However, these scans are expensive, not usually covered by insurance, and expose you to radiation, which can increase cancer risk over time. They are not generally recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms. DEXA scans, on the other hand, use low-level X-rays to measure bone density and body fat distribution. They are considered accurate and are often referred to as the 'gold standard' for body composition analysis. DEXA scans are less expensive than CT scans but are also typically not covered by insurance unless used for bone density screening.