Research
Mixed
DXA is the preferred imaging modality for anti-obesity drug trials due to its balance of low radiation, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, although CT and MRI offer superior precision for visceral fat and muscle quality assessment.
For most obesity drug trials, DXA is the standard imaging tool because it is cheap, safe, and widely available. However, if detailed analysis of visceral fat or muscle quality (myosteatosis) is needed, CT or MRI may be used despite higher costs.
StrongQualifiesVERY_HIGH confidence
DXA is the most recommended and widely used imaging technique in clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of anti-obesity medications... DXA is the preferred method, although MRI and other validated modalities are also deemed acceptable.
Why this rating
Supported by explicit regulatory recommendations and technical comparisons in the text.
Source
Potential Role of Imaging in the Evaluation of Adiposity and Approval of Anti-Obesity Drugs
So Yeon Kim et al. · Korean Journal of Radiology · 2026
narrative_reviewCited 2×
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