The short answer
A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA) scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging test that uses two very low-dose X-ray energies to measure your body's fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content—overall and region by region.
Unlike a bathroom scale, which only tells you how much you weigh, a DEXA scan shows what that weight is made of. DEXA was originally developed to measure bone density, and because of its precision and consistency it is now widely used in sports performance, weight management, research and fitness tracking.
How a DEXA scan works
You lie on your back on an open, padded table while a scanning arm passes over your body. The machine measures how two X-ray energies pass through your tissues; fat, lean tissue and bone absorb them differently, which lets the software separate the three. The scan takes about 6–12 minutes. There are no needles, no enclosed tube and no water tank.
DEXA at Body Fat USA
Body Fat USA uses a GE Lunar Prodigy DEXA scanner. A full-body scan is $85, appointments take 20 minutes, and your report—including body fat percentage, lean mass, arm/leg/trunk breakdown, android/gynoid ratio and bone density T- and Z-scores—is emailed to you within about 5 minutes. Learn more about our DEXA scan.
Related questions
- What does a DEXA scan measure?
- How accurate is a DEXA scan?
- Is a DEXA scan safe?
- How much does a DEXA scan cost?
Body Fat USA offers $85 DEXA body composition scans and $100 RMR metabolic tests in Denver (both for $175), with reports emailed in about 5 minutes. See all FAQs
