What does a Dexa scan result of -1 to -2.5 indicate?

A Dexa scan result ranging from -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia, which is a condition characterized by lower than normal bone density but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. This range falls within the criteria used to assess bone health, where a score of -1 or higher is considered normal bone density, and any score lower than -2.5 signifies osteoporosis.

Osteopenia is often seen as a precursor to osteoporosis, signaling that while there is some degree of bone density loss, it does not meet the thresholds for osteoporosis. Recognizing osteopenia is crucial for preventative measures to maintain bone health, potentially enabling earlier interventions to prevent further loss of density.

Understanding these classifications helps in managing bone health and guiding treatments or lifestyle changes aimed at improving bone density.