DEXA Scan: What, Where, and How?
DEXA Scan
The gold standard for body composition
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA) provides an in-depth analysis of fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat, and bone density. The DEXA Scan is recommended for weight management, bone health, longevity, and athletic performance. A DEXA Scan with Fitnescity includes:
- Fat Mass
- Lean Mass
- Visceral Adipose Tissue
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
- Comparison with your age range
- Body fat distribution by region (arms, legs, waist and hips).
- Android (waist) Fat and Lean Mass
- Gynoid (hip) Fat and Lean Mass
- Android/Gynoid ratio
- BMI
- 1:1 review with MD (after you receive your results on your Fitnescity dashboard)
What is the DEXA/DXA body composition analysis?
Get an in-depth body composition analysis with this scan that provides valuable information about your lean and fat mass, and what each means for your overall wellness. Using dual x-ray technology, the DEXA Scan provides comprehensive, precise measurements of total body fat percentage, along with segmental body fat distribution in regions such as arms, legs, android (waist), gynoid (hips), as well as visceral fat.* This scan can be used by anyone to track the impact and efficacy of their diet or exercise regimen. Test with Fitnescity to proactively pinpoint problems and track progress over time with their nationwide network of test partners and personalized digital dashboard.
Who is this DEXA for?
This scan is for anyone who wants to measure and track their body composition. You must be 18+ years of age to purchase. People have typically purchased the DEXA for the following reasons:
- Weight management.
- Preventing muscle loss when losing weight.
- Monitoring fat loss and potential muscle loss.
- Fine tuning training and diet programs.
- Preparing for a competition.
- Monitoring visceral fat for preventative health.
- Monitoring Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Visceral Fat for longevity and preventative health.
What results will I receive?
You will receive an email from Fitnescity within two business days with a login for your personal online results dashboard where you will find your results including interpretation and anthropometric data.
- Your results will include your total body fat mass, total non-fat mass, bone mass, regional body fat and non-fat mass distribution (trunk, arms, legs and android/gynoid regions) and generalized bone mineral density.
- Unless noted otherwise, the results will also include a Visceral Fat/Abdominal Fat (VAT) reading.
Please note that DEXA scans do subject you to small amounts of radiation. A whole body scan produces a level of radiation equivalent to flying by airplane from New York to California.
What is the test protocol?
- Fasting for four hours prior to scan is recommended, but not required.
- Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym attire. Do not wear any items with metal or hard plastic, such as buttons or zippers and inform the technician if you have metal in your body.
- Please note that DEXA scans do subject you to small amounts of radiation. A whole body scan produces a level of radiation equivalent to flying by airplane from New York to California.
- If you believe you may be pregnant, please refrain from doing the DEXA scan.
What happens during the appointment?
- The test administrator will record your height and weight, either by asking you directly or measuring on site. Note that DEXA machine will determine actual weight.
- The scan will last for about 10-20 minutes; the appointment for about 45 minutes.
*Please inform us if you are over 300lbs or over 6’3 tall as some DEXA machines have size restrictions.
Are there any other test locations in My Area?
Yes, you can find additional location under this locator: DEXA scans near me.
What other tests does this Fitnescity partner location offer?
The RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) Test measures the number of calories required by the body to maintain basic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, temperature regulation, and brain activity. This number varies widely from a person to another. A standard Fitnescity RMR Test involves using a metabolic cart and indirect calorimetry, the clinically recommended and industry reference standard of testing, to measure the number of calories burned per day at rest. Whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain weight, this information is highly valuable for designing a personalized weight management program.
The VO2 Max Test measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body is able to uptake during exercise and is considered the gold standard of assessing cardiovascular fitness. A standard VO2 Max test with Fitnescity involves wearing a respiratory mask connected to an indirect calorimetric metabolic cart and heart rate monitor while running or cycling at a progressively increasing speed or resistance until unable to continue. Measuring your VO2 Max can not only help gauge your level of cardiac fitness but improve the efficacy of training by more accurately determining training zones.
How much does the DEXA scan cost?
When completed under the right conditions, DEXA typically costs $100-250 per scan. It varies by geography and provider. Some providers offer the test in a van to reduce the costs. However, the machine may not produce the most accurate results under such circumstances.
Is the DEXA scan good for longevity?
DEXA has many benefits, such as monitoring fat mass and lean mass. With the being said, DEXA is increasingly used in the realm of longevity in order to monitor lean mass, visceral fat and bone mineral density.