DEXA is the preferred method for evaluating body composition in professional sports, including football, as it offers numerous advantages over traditional skinfold callipers.

DEXA stands out in terms of precision and accuracy, providing highly precise measurements of fat mass, lean mass, and bone density, while skinfold callipers are susceptible to variation depending on practicioner skill, and require the same practitioner each time. Additionally, the conversion from mm of skinfolds to estimations for body fat and lean mass figures can be problematic in athletes specifically. 

A DEXA scan delivers comprehensive data that goes beyond body fat, including critical information about bone mineral density and other health-related parameters, making it valuable for long-term athlete well-being. 

DEXA’s individualised analysis capabilities allow coaches and sports scientists to tailor training and nutrition plans to specific areas of improvement, whereas skinfold callipers lack this versatility.

The data from a DEXA scan can play a pivotal role in injury prevention by identifying potential risks related to bone health and muscle imbalances, a feature absents in skinfold calliper assessments. The ability to continuously monitor an athlete’s body composition changes and use this data for adjusting training and nutrition plans is another significant advantage offered by DEXA, which skinfold callipers cannot provide.

It also guides precise nutritional recommendations, aids in the early detection of health issues, minimises human error, supports data-driven decision-making, and contributes to improved recovery strategies.

DEXA’s precision, comprehensiveness, objectivity, and ability to offer individualised insights make it a superior choice over skinfold callipers when assessing body composition in professional football, with a focus on both performance and health.