Precision of the Hologic Horizon A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition

•Visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), has been associated with metabolic syndrome as well as cardiovascular disease.•Our results suggest the Hologic Horizon A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is a precise method of providing VAT.•Our calculated coefficient of variation for VAT is 2.63% with a least significant change at 95% confidence of 7.28%.•The Hologic Horizon A system is a precise and reliable modality to better risk-stratify individuals with obesity. As the number of individuals with obesity increases, so too will the demand for a precise, cost-effective and safe method to better risk-stratify this heterogenous population. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, a body composition measurement has been associated with the many facets of the metabolic syndrome. To determine the precision of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in providing body composition measurements, including VAT area, using the Hologic Horizon A scanner. Thirty participants (mean age 64 years, 47% male), underwent two sequential body composition scans. The coefficient of variation (CV) and least significant change (LSC) were calculated for android/gynoid ratio, appendicular lean/height2, lean/height2, total body fat and lean mass, total body mass, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT area. Participants were stratified according to age (30 kg/m2) and sex (male or female). The CV was calculated for each parameter and then analysed for differences between groups. The CV for all parameters was