<p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama40/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed"> View the Show Notes Page for This Episode</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed"> Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed"> Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter</a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/members/private-podcast-feed/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed">private RSS feed </a>or on our website at the <a href="http://peterattiamd.com/ama40/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed">AMA #40 show notes page</a>. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=221017-pod-ama40&utm_content=221017-pod-ama40-podfeed">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Interpreting DEXA scans: important metrics, radiation levels, and more [2:15];</li> <li>DEXA metrics: Bone mineral density (BMD) [12:00];</li> <li>DEXA metrics: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) [14:30];</li> <li>DEXA metrics on lean tissue: appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) [20:45];</li> <li>Concerning trends in BMD, VAT, & muscle mass revealed through DEXA scans [24:15];</li> <li>Muscle and lean tissue loss with age and how to overcome anabolic resistance [29:15];</li> <li>Female patient case studies: DEXA scan results and prescribed interventions [35:00];</li> <li>Male patient case studies: DEXA scan results and prescribed interventions [42:45];</li> <li>Protein consumption: recommended daily intake, Peter's personal approach, timing around workouts, and more [48:15];</li> <li>What to look for with protein supplements [53:15];</li> <li>Protein intake: optimal timing and how it should be divided throughout the day [55:30];</li> <li>Time-restricted feeding (TRF): Peter's updated perspective [57:45];</li> <li>Three strategies for reducing energy intake in over-nourished patients [1:03:15];</li> <li>Prolonged fasting: potential benefits and tradeoffs [1:07:15];</li> <li>A protein-supplemented version of time-restricted feeding (TRF) [1:09:30];</li> <li>Theories about time-restricted feeding (TRF) and its positive influence on sleep and circadian rhythm [1:12:00]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Connect With Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kGsMa0LygSX9nkBcBH1Sg">YouTube</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Consult Healthcare Professionals
Always seek the assistance of your healthcare professionals for any medical conditions and do not disregard or delay obtaining professional medical advice, as the podcast content is for general informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
2. Interpret DEXA Beyond Body Fat
When reviewing DEXA scan results, look beyond just body fat percentage and pay close attention to bone mineral density (BMD), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) or fat-free mass index (FFMI), as these provide more critical health insights.
3. Request Segmented BMD Data
If you have any concerns about bone mineral density (BMD), ensure the DEXA scan provider can give segmented information (e.g., hip and lumbar spine data), as total body Z-score alone is insufficient for clinical assessment or diagnosis of conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis.
4. Annual DEXA Scan Frequency
Perform a DEXA scan only once or twice per year, as doing it more frequently (e.g., every six weeks) is a total waste of time due to its low risk and the rate of change in body composition.
5. Re-evaluate Time-Restricted Feeding
Consider that views on time-restricted feeding (TRF) are becoming more nuanced, moving away from a rigid stance to a more complex understanding, which may impact personal TRF practices.
6. DEXA Scan Safety
Do not be concerned about the radiation exposure from a DEXA scan, as it is extremely low (typically less than 20 microsieverts), making it a very safe and low-risk technology with effectively zero risk.
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