Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA) provides an accurate segmental body composition analysis of your fat mass, lean mass, and bone in arms, legs, and trunk regions. This test can help you get an accurate picture of your body, track change over time, and pinpoint problems in the body before they occur.
The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test measures how many calories your body needs at rest, a great addition to the DEXA scan for those focused on optimizing weight or gaining muscle mass.
Package: DEXA + RMR
The VO2 Max test provides insights into cardiovascular health and also establishes optimal heart rate zones, an ideal addition to the DEXA scan for those who are concentrated on their fitness levels.
Package: DEXA + RMR + VO2 Max
The package is designed to help you set your baseline, understand your caloric needs, and measure change over time. Whether you retest every 3, 4, or 6 months, keep yourself accountable to your wellness goals.
Package: 2 x DEXA + 1 x RMR
We are with you every step of the way, from seamless scheduling to preparing you for test day. There are no hidden costs. We coordinate your test as well as providing your results dashboard and a follow-up call.
Forget the hard to understand paper print out. Fitnescity analyzes your results, delivering you a secure, online dashboard with actionable insights within two business days of your appointment.
Do not wear any items with metal or hard plastic, such as buttons or zippers. Inform the technician if you have metal in your body.
Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to testing.
Best practice is to perform a four-hour fast prior to testing.
Arrive hydrated to your test.
Refrain from this test if you believe you may be pregnant.
Attire: Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym attire.
Due to the radiation described above, if you believe you may be pregnant, please refrain from doing the DEXA scan.
The DEXA scan is located at 799 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
Body Composition measurement with Dual-Dnergy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) can look beyond weight and body mass index (BMI) to determine body fat distribution.
The DEXA uses small amounts of radiation to produce a whole picture of the body’s fat mass, non-fat mass and bone mass. In addition, DEXA scans provide regional body fat results for the arms, legs, android (waist), gynoid (hips), and visceral adipose tissue.*
Studies have shown that DEXA scans have a high degree of accuracy, but even more notable is their precision. The true value of a DEXA is the ability to track small (and large) changes in body composition and distribution over time. Your scans are highly comparable, but it is important to always test on the same machine for best results.
DEXA is the only body composition analysis tool that uses a large-scale database of population scans to compare your results with people who are similar to you. After receiving your Fitnescity Dashboard, you will be able to see how your body fat percentage compares to national averages for those of the same age, gender, and race as you.
You will arrive to the test center 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Upon arrival, the center will provide any necessary paperwork and bring you back to their testing space. After removing all metal (jewelry, zippers, etc.), you will lie down on the table and a technician will help position your body to get the best image. The C-Arm will move up and down your body for about 10-15 minutes until it’s captured a complete image.**
After your DEXA scan, you will receive access to your personalized Fitnescity dashboard where you can review your results, learn what your numbers mean, and see how you compare to others in your demographic group.
Some states do require a physician referral in order to get a DEXA scan for body composition. However, we know that going to the doctor can be time-consuming and expensive, so we are happy to provide referral orders for our customers at no additional cost!
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes, such as gym attire. Do not wear any items with metal or hard plastic, such as buttons or zippers.
Our Cambridge DEXA scans typically take 10 to 20 minutes.
It is best practice to fast for 4 hours prior to your DEXA scan in Cambridge.
In Cambridge, a single DEXA Scan can range from $100 to $250.
We recommend getting a DEXA scan every 3-6 months, depending on your goals and the intensity of your training plan. Most of our Cambridge customers purchase a package to track their progress over time and stay on target with their goals.
A DEXA scan can provide valuable information about your body and overall wellness, helping you make more informed decisions and putting you in control of your own wellness.
Whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain your weight, the DEXA scan provides an in-depth body fat analysis including segmental fat mass, lean mass, and bone density.* Knowing this information about your body is crucial for optimizing your wellness, preventing disease, and tracking change over time. Most people are accustomed to stepping on a bathroom scale every now and then, but monitoring weight – while helpful – is not a precise method of assessing wellness and fitness.
Anyone who is looking to take control of their personal wellness and better understand their body should look into getting a DEXA scan, regardless of fitness level.
Yes, DEXA scans are safe and non-invasive. There is a minimal amount of radiation involved, equivalent to flying from NYC to LA.
No, DEXA scans are painless. The technician may gently arrange your arms and legs to capture the best image, which could be slightly uncomfortable. If you are unable to hold the best position for scanning, tell your technician and they will be happy to discuss accommodations.
If you are under 18 years of age, pregnant, or are unable to stay still for 10-15 minutes, you are not eligible for a DEXA scan.
Do not consume calcium supplements for 24 hours and wait seven days after having a CT with contrast to get your DEXA scan.
No, Fitnescity’s DEXA Body Composition scans are designed to provide information about the levels of fat and lean mass throughout your body and help you track your progress over time. Fitnescity tests cannot diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
No, you will be asked to remove your shoes for the duration of your DEXA scan.
*Individual location results may vary
**Individual location process may vary
Please inform us if you are over 300lbs or over 6’3 tall as some DEXA machines have size restrictions.
Arrive early: Cambridge’s traffic and public transit can be unpredictable. Plan accordingly and arrive at the testing location 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
Schedule an appointment: To schedule or reschedule your appointment, contact Fitnescity at support@fitnescity.com
Review: Leave a review about your experience with our partner.
Proper attire: Wear loose-fitting clothing without buttons, zippers, or buckles. You will have to remove jewelry, sunglasses, and other accessories.
Discuss results: After your scan, schedule a follow-up call with our physician.
Stay still: Be prepared to remain still for the duration of your DEXA scan for best results.
Follow instructions: Review and follow the pre-test protocols for best results.
Radiation: There is a minimal amount of radiation involved, equivalent to flying from NYC to LA.
Results: Review your results on your personalized Fitnescity dashboard to view your numbers, learn what they mean, and track your progress over time.
Communicate concerns: Make sure you voice your concerns, if any, to your technician before your scan to ensure comfort.
Fitnescity does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you have any questions about your results.
