Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Full Body Composition Scans can accurately assess your body composition and track any changes in your fat vs. muscle mass (whereas weighing yourself only tells you how much you weigh).
If you’re serious about reaching your health, fitness or weight-loss goals, it’s best to have an accurate baseline against which to track your progress. By having periodic DEXA scans, you can objectively track any changes resulting from diet, exercise, medical conditions and/or medications. Along with advice from your personal trainer, dietician and/or exercise psychologist, this can help you to measure, manage and reach your goals.
How does it work?
DEXA scans work by passing two very low-dose x-ray beams at differing energy levels through the body tissues. Fat, muscle and bone each have different attenuating factors (different levels of absorption due to their unique densities), which allows the DEXA to calculate the relative mass of each tissue type.
What can I expect?
During a scan, you will lie flat on a padded table while the arm of the DEXA machine passes over your body. The scan only takes 10 minutes and you can remain fully clothed.
Important: Having a DEXA scan while pregnant is not recommended. Having a scan while breast-feeding is not known to have any adverse effects.
What will my results show?
Your DEXA scan report will show the following measurements (accurate to one tenth of a gram):
- Density, mass and area: bone, mineral, muscle and fat.
- Percentages: fat, lean and bone.
These results can help you to make important lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
How much does it cost?
Initial scan: $90
Subsequent scans: $80
(Within 12 months of the first scan)