NEW BODY SCANNER AT UH LATEST WEAPON IN
OBESITY FIGHT
DEXA Scanner Measures Body Composition and Effectiveness of Weight
Loss Therapies
HOUSTON Dec. 15, 2004—A new weapon in the arsenal to combat
obesity has been acquired by the University of Houston. Researchers
with the UH Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) will
use the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner to measure
bone density and the effect of weight loss therapies on the body.
“We are very fortunate to have this state-of-the-art device
available for carrying out research focused on physical activity
and obesity prevention,” said Mark Clarke, associate professor
for HHP who led the effort to acquire the new technology for the
UH Institute for Obesity Prevention and Urban Fitness. “DEXA
gives us an opportunity to be at the forefront of research designed
to combat one of the most rapidly developing disease epidemics in
the United States today, and that is obesity.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 38 million
Americans met the definition of obese in the year 2000 (a body mass
index of 30 kg/m2 or more). According to Clarke, DEXA is the “gold
standard” in determining accurate body composition including
a highly accurate measure of body fat and bone density. While DEXA
scanning has been used primarily in the diagnosis of osteoporosis,
UH researchers will apply the technology to determine the effect
of diet, exercise or use of certain drug therapies in those who
are obese or suffer other dangerous health ailments such as diabetes.
“It is our hope that we can use this technology to determine
if diets, exercise programs or certain drugs are truly effective
in reducing body fat,” said Clarke.
DEXA directs two sources of low-dose X-rays over the body or bone
being examined. The subject lies on his back as the scanner moves
over his body. The images are analyzed by a computer that calculates
bone mineral density and body composition based on how much radiation
the bones absorbed. The non-invasive imaging procedure takes less
than 10 minutes to complete.
“Other techniques may misinterpret how much body fat is lost
because of diets or drugs. DEXA provides a simple, rapid and more
accurate interpretation,” said Clarke.
The $90,000 DEXA scanner was paid for with funds specifically earmarked
for research opportunities. Clarke says the purchase will allow
UH to collaborate with other researchers and organizations interested
in studying obesity prevention and bone density, such as the Texas
Medical Center or NASA.
“Future research endeavors may focus on the influence of
aging, gender and ethnicity on changes in bone mineral density and
body composition,” said Clarke. “The findings will be
the basis for future health and wellness programs in the greater
Houston area.”
The Institute for Obesity Prevention and Urban Fitness was established
at the UH College of Education, Department of Health and Human Performance
in 2004. The center conducts applied research and education programs,
and works in collaboration with other researchers to study the causes
and effects of obesity. In addition, researchers with the institute
will search for ways to predict obesity risk and treatment outcomes.
For more information about the UH College of Education Health and
Human Performance Department, please visit http://www.hhp.uh.edu/
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research
and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers
and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate,
civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university
in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and
service with more than 35,000 students.
For more information about UH visit the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
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