My sister was one of the smartest people I knew—a neurologist, dedicated to her patients, and fiercely independent. But behind the scenes, she battled chronic migraines, constant fatigue, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. She was thin, so to the outside world, she didn’t look sick.

But at 32, she was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Her death changed me. It changed how I see health, how I see medicine, and how I see the people who come into my practice every day looking for answers. I’ve spent years in Primary Care, Urgent Care, Cardiology, and Dermatology, and I’ve seen firsthand how traditional medicine fails people when it comes to preventing disease and optimizing health. We prescribe medications, but we don’t teach prevention. We tell people to “lose weight,” but we don’t give them the tools to understand how their body works.

The truth? Weight loss isn’t about looking good in the mirror—it’s about survival. And the key to sustainable weight loss is knowing exactly what’s happening inside your body. That’s where Dexa Body Composition Scans and Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing come in.

What is a Dexa Body Composition Scan?

A Dexa (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is one of the most accurate ways to measure body composition. Unlike the number on a traditional scale, which only tells you your total weight, a Dexa scan breaks it down into four critical components:

 Fat Mass: The percentage of your body made up of fat.

 Lean Muscle Mass: The amount of muscle you have, which plays a vital role in metabolism.

 Bone Density: A measure of bone strength, crucial for long-term health and injury prevention.

 Visceral Fat: The most dangerous type of fat—the fat that surrounds your organs and is linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Visceral fat is something that no other scan (besides CT or MRI) can accurately measure, and those scans cost thousands of dollars. Our Dexa scan provides this vital health information for just $175, making it one of the most affordable and accessible ways to get a clear picture of your metabolic health.

How Can a Dexa Scan Help with Weight Loss?

Weight loss is not just about cutting calories; it’s about feeding your body the right way.

 If your scan shows low muscle mass, we know you need to focus on protein intake and resistance training to preserve and build lean muscle.

 If you have higher fat percentages in certain areas, we can tailor your approach with targeted workouts and anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies.

 If your bone density is low, we can incorporate strength training and proper micronutrient intake (like calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D) to support long-term health.

 If your visceral fat is high, we need to take action—because excess visceral fat increases the risk of serious chronic diseases. Knowing your levels allows us to make the necessary changes before your health is impacted.

But a Dexa scan alone isn’t enough—we also need to understand how your body burns fuel. 

That’s where Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing comes in.

What is Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing?

Your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain essential functions like breathing, circulation, and cell repair. In simple terms, it tells us how many calories your body needs to function before you even add in activity or exercise.

RMR testing is done by measuring the amount of oxygen you consume and carbon dioxide you exhale. This metabolic analysis gives us an accurate snapshot of your metabolism:

 Slow Metabolism: If your RMR is lower than expected, it means your body burns fewer calories than the average person your size. This often explains why some people struggle with weight loss despite eating “healthy.”

 Normal Metabolism: Your body is functioning at a typical calorie-burning rate.

 Fast Metabolism: If your RMR is higher than average, you may burn through calories quickly, making it essential to eat enough food to support energy and muscle retention.

Why Pair Dexa and RMR Testing?

When we combine a Dexa Scan with RMR Testing, we get a complete metabolic profile that allows us to build the most effective, science-backed weight loss plan possible.

 If you need to lose fat while preserving muscle, we can pinpoint exactly how much protein, carbs, and fats you need to fuel your body correctly.

 If you have been undereating, thinking it would help with weight loss, but it’s actually slowing your metabolism, we can correct it with proper caloric intake and nutrient timing.

 If you have been over-exercising but not seeing results, we can determine if your body needs more recovery or a different macronutrient balance.

This isn’t about guesswork—it’s about precision.

A Personal Mission: Why This Matters to Me

I don’t want to see another person go through what my sister did. She had access to the best medical care, but she didn’t optimize her nutrition, her sleep, or her stress levels. She was a brilliant doctor, but even she didn’t realize how much her lifestyle was affecting her health—until it was too late.

I don’t want that for you.

If you’re struggling with weight, feeling frustrated, or not sure what to do next—let’s change the approach. No more fad diets. No more one-size-fits-all advice. Real data. Real solutions. Real change.

At Magnolia Aesthetics and Wellness, we go beyond body composition and metabolism testing. We also offer weight loss counseling, where we review your existing labs and recommend additional testing—like targeted lab work and hormonal testing—to help optimize your health from the inside out. These advanced lab services are coming soon, allowing us to take an even deeper dive into your unique physiology.

Let’s take control of your health before a diagnosis does it for you.

If you’ve already fought the battle against cancer—or are currently facing it—you may be looking for ways to make lifestyle changes that support your recovery and long-term health.

Nutrition, sleep, stress management, and targeted metabolic optimization can play a significant role in keeping your body strong. Whether you’re looking to regain energy, rebuild muscle, or reduce inflammation, we’re here to help guide you with a plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Schedule your Dexa Body Composition Scan and RMR Testing today and start your journey toward lasting health.

Your body deserves the best—let’s give it the fuel it needs to thrive.