What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that provides a comprehensive picture of your body composition. This includes body fat percentage, breakdown of fat mass vs fat-free mass, body fat distribution (incl. visceral fat), bone density, comparison with healthy ranges and population data (percentile, Z-score).

If your body fat percentage is higher than normal for your age, you should aim to decrease your fat mass, while maintaining or increasing your fat-free mass. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for bone fractures. DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

What is a DEXA scan used for?

The DEXA scan is used to assess your fitness level, general health and bone density (i.e. how strong your bones are).

What is the difference between a DEXA scan and a bone density test?

It’s essentially the same. Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Moreover, DEXA also measures body composition: body fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat distribution and visceral fat.

How much does a DEXA scan cost?

Up until today, prices have varied a lot depending on where you would get your scan done. Prices may even vary within the same location. However, Fitnescity has worked to remove this friction around pricing by introducing a transparent, unified price on a national level.

Where and How do I Find a DEXA scan near me?

DEXA scan is notoriously hard to find, partly because it has been originally used for diagnosing bone density. As a result, it is often vastly unused by the general population, unless someone is easily directed to a DEXA location. The easiest way to locate and book a DEXA scan, especially for body composition, is through this DEXA scan locator.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

The DEXA scan itself typically takes less than 10 minutes. However, you can expect your Fitnescity appointment to be about 30 minutes.

What should you not do before a DEXA scan?

The recommended attire for the scan is comfortable clothing. It is best to arrive metal and hard plastic free or ready to change. This includes zippers, buttons, reflective materials, jewelry or watches, and bras with clasps or underwire, as well as metal or hard plastic hair clips or pins. If you have metal in your body (such as a replaced joint or a pin in a bone), you should inform your test administrator prior to your scan.

What is a normal DEXA scan result? What should my muscle mass, fat mass or bone mass be for my age?

There is no “normal” DEXA scan result. The great thing about the DEXA scan is that it compares your results against the world’s largest database of population data on DEXA. This means that your results will be compared with individuals with the same age, gender and ethnicity.

Your Fitnescity report will include recommended ranges for your own specific case. No two reports are the same.

Does a DEXA scan show visceral fat?

Body composition scans with DEXA / DXA provides precise and accurate data on total body fat percentage, total fat mass and fat-free mass. Most importantly, what is unique about DEXA body composition technology is that it provides regional body fat results (trunk, arms, legs, pelvis and android/gynoid regions).

For instance, DEXA scans can give a precise measurement of visceral fat / abdominal fat. 

Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it's a key player in a variety of health problems — much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind you can grasp with your hand. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs.

Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In women, it is also associated with breast cancer and the need for gallbladder surgery.

Can I drink water or coffee before a DEXA scan?

The short answer is yes. Unless you are extremely dehydrated or have had a very unusual, unhealthy amount of water prior to your scan, consuming any drinks, including coffee, prior to your scan will have no impact on your results.

Can I eat before a DEXA scan?

Similar to water intake, consuming any type of food, including a full meal, prior to your scan will not have any impact on your DEXA scan results.

Can I exercise before a DEXA scan?

Yes. Unlike the BOD POD test, or the Resting Metabolic Rate test, the DEXA scan does not require you to avoid physical activity prior to your scan.

Is it worth getting a DEXA scan?

Following a regular schedule of DEXA scans is an important investment in your health. DEXA is one of the most underrated tools for assessing your general fitness and health.

How accurate is the DEXA scan?

DEXA is considered the gold standard for accurate and comprehensive body composition analysis. DEXA uses medical-grade, FDA-approved equipment to measure your body fat and bone mass.

How often do you need a DEXA scan?

We recommend getting a follow-up can no shorter than three months after your initial scan. In total, 3-4 scans per year is the right pace to follow.