Practically Fit interviews Joan Maiden
Know Your Numbers
September 17th, 2026 by Joan Maiden
Recently, I had my second DEXA scan. For years, I relied on the scale to gauge my progress, which was both inaccurate and frustrating. The number on the scale tells only a very small part of the story.
What I learned from my DEXA scan was encouraging. Even though my weight isn’t where I would like it to be yet, the exercise I’ve done consistently over the years is paying off.
My lean mass—my muscle—is in a very healthy range for my age. My visceral fat, the fat stored around the organs that is associated with increased health risks, is very low. Those are numbers worth celebrating.
Bone density is an essential number for women to know. Having been diagnosed with borderline osteoporosis, maintaining my bone density is especially important to me. And at only 5’2″, I definitely don’t want to shrink—a reality many older women face as they lose bone mass and height.
I witnessed the devastating effects osteoporosis had on my mother’s life and health. So when I was diagnosed, I made a decision: I would do whatever I could to keep my bones strong and healthy. So far, my bone density is holding steady. That’s a number I’m proud of.
Then there’s the number that frustrates me: my subcutaneous fat—the fat that sits just beneath the skin. There’s more of it than I would like. I don’t particularly enjoy the jiggly parts, but unlike visceral fat, subcutaneous fat isn’t generally considered the same kind of health risk. Genetics and menopause play a significant role in it’s accumulation.
I once had a doctor tell me, “Fat thighs never killed anyone.”
What a relief.
But here’s the really good news. Instead of constantly wondering whether I should try the latest, greatest diet, I now have information specific to my body and my goals.
