DEXA scans, protein, time-restricted feeding, fasting & more [AMA 40 sneak peek] | Peter Attia, M.D.

Summary

In this episode of the Drive podcast, host Peter Attia delves into the topic of body composition and DEXA scans. DEXA scans are a type of low-risk x-ray that can differentiate between bone, fat, and other tissues based on their density. These scans provide four important pieces of information, including bone mineral density (BMD), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI).

BMD is a crucial metric for assessing bone health, and it is recommended to get segmented information for the hip and lumbar spine to diagnose conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis. VAT is an estimate of visceral fat in the torso, which is more indicative of health risks than total body fat. ALMI and FFMI are measures of muscle mass in the extremities and are reported in kilograms per meter squared. Nomograms are used to compare a patient's results with a population stratified by age and sex.

The podcast episode also covers the importance of protein consumption and time-restricted feeding. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, which is especially important as we age. Attia recommends consuming at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Time-restricted feeding is a dietary approach that involves limiting the hours during which you consume food each day. This can help improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss.

Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the importance of body composition and DEXA scans, as well as the role of protein consumption and time-restricted feeding in maintaining optimal health. Attia's friendly tone and clear explanations make this episode accessible to listeners of all backgrounds and levels of expertise.