DEXA Scanning After Bariatric Surgery

Rationale and Recommendations

• The European Association for the Study of Obesity recommends DEXA scans every two years in patients who have undergone bariatric-metabolic surgery to monitor bone mineral density 1
• Moderate physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercise, should be encouraged to enhance muscle health and minimize bone loss, as recommended by the European Association for the Study of Obesity 1
• Maintaining glucose control is important as poor glycemic control correlates with increased fracture risk, according to the European Association for the Study of Obesity 1
• Pre-existing risk factors for osteoporosis should be considered when assessing bone loss risk in bariatric surgery patients, as noted by the American College of Radiology 2