Whole body imaging protocols are used for assessing the effects of therapeutics on metabolism and feeding behavior. Using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) body composition can be determined non invasively in longitudinal studies. These studies give body composition in terms of the percentage of fat, lean and bone tissue. Body composition is an important component in obesity studies.
From left to right: DEXA image of a dog; MR Image of rat abdomen; MR image segmented into visceral (yellow) and subcutaneous (blue) fat.