Use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in body-composition studies: not yet a “gold standard”

The advent of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has improved the precision and accuracy of bone-mineral density determinations in research and in clinical practice. Because DEXA machines can also identify soft tissue and categorize it as fat or lean, there has been interest in using DEXA for measurement of these compartments as well. The authors suggest that caution be used before DEXA is adopted for this purpose