DEXA-based Body Composition Assessment

DEXA scans were performed by one single experienced technician according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, QDR 4500 W). Percentage body fat composition was measured as previously described in the whole body (%) and, with the use of specific anatomic landmarks determined by a standard software (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, S/N47168 VER. 11.2), in the trunk [13 (link),36 (link)]. The abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was measured separately (g). Limits of the abdominal VAT area were defined as follows: upper cut line by the lower edge of the rib cage; pelvic cut line just above the iliac crest; lateral lines positioned at the inner edge of the abdominal muscle wall, bilaterally. The coefficient of variation for FM was <1.5%.