dexa scan

Bone density for women can plummet around the time of the perimenopause and menopause.

An estimated one in two women over 50 (and who do not take HRT) worldwide will develop osteoporosis. This puts women at high risk of bone fractures, which can have a major impact on health and wellbeing.

Here Chicago-based Dr Kristi DeSapri, who specialises in bone health, joins Dr Louise Newson to talk about what can increase the risk of your bones becoming weak, the role of hormonal changes in this and what to do about it.

Hear what the latest research says about the valuable role that HRT can play in protecting bones to keep you fit and strong in the future.

Dr DeSapri shares her top three tips for listeners worried about their bone health:

1. Find out how healthy your bones are and whether you could be at risk of fractures.  This could include booking a bone density scan, or completing free online assessments and taking that information to your doctor
2. Increasing evidence suggests HRT can help protect bone health, so consider this treatment option to keep your bones strong
3. Find out about the importance of bone health so that you can be your own advocate - make sure you have the right information to make the right decisions.

You can follow Dr DeSapri on Instagram @boneandbodywh. Her website is www.boneandbodywh.com

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter discusses the importance of understanding body composition and explains how to interpret the most important metrics revealed by a DEXA scan, such as lean muscle tissue mass, visceral adiposity tissue mass, bone mineral density, and more. He discusses common concerning trends in these metrics as well as strategies to address them. He goes through DEXA scan results of both male and female patient case studies and explains the prescribed intervention for each patient. Additionally, Peter answers numerous questions about dietary protein including how much we need, when we need it, and how intake should be divided throughout the day to optimize muscle protein synthesis. Finally, Peter provides his updated point of view on time-restricted feeding and fasting and how his personal approach and recommendations for patients has evolved.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or on our website at the AMA #40 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

• Interpreting DEXA scans: important metrics, radiation levels, and more [2:15];
• DEXA metrics: Bone mineral density (BMD) [12:00];
• DEXA metrics: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) [14:30];
• DEXA metrics on lean tissue: appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) [20:45];
• Concerning trends in BMD, VAT, & muscle mass revealed through DEXA scans [24:15];
• Muscle and lean tissue loss with age and how to overcome anabolic resistance [29:15];
• Female patient case studies: DEXA scan results and prescribed interventions [35:00];
• Male patient case studies: DEXA scan results and prescribed interventions [42:45];
• Protein consumption: recommended daily intake, Peter’s personal approach, timing around workouts, and more [48:15];
• What to look for with protein supplements [53:15];
• Protein intake: optimal timing and how it should be divided throughout the day [55:30];
• Time-restricted feeding (TRF): Peter’s updated perspective [57:45];
• Three strategies for reducing energy intake in over-nourished patients [1:03:15];
• Prolonged fasting: potential benefits and tradeoffs [1:07:15];
• A protein-supplemented version of time-restricted feeding (TRF) [1:09:30];
• Theories about time-restricted feeding (TRF) and its positive influence on sleep and circadian rhythm [1:12:00]; and
• More.

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