Question 1

What is a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

A DEXA body scan uses a very low dose of X-rays (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) to provide an accurate and precise measurement of your body composition. It is a medical-grade technology that was initially developed to measure bone density and is now universally regarded as the gold standard for measuring body composition (body fat, lean mass and bone).

Question 2

What is the procedure when having a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

The scan is quick and easy with no intervention and there is no claustrophobia. You lie on a padded mattress for just four minutes while the scanning arm makes three passes over your body. The scanning arm remains about 30cm from your body and the bed is completely open — there is no confined 'doughnut' or chamber that you go into as there is with a CT scanner or MRI scanner.

Question 3

Does a DEXA scan give the information advised by Peter Attia in Outlive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Dr Attia is interested in Visceral Fat (VAT), Lean Mass Index (LMI), Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) and Bone Density (BMD). Our reports cover all of these metrics. Interestingly, Dr Attia says that body fat percentage is the "least interesting" number from a DEXA scan. Note that BMD is assessed as an average across the whole body.

Question 4

What does a DEXA scan tell me?

Accepted Answer

A DEXA scan will reveal your body composition in great detail, showing fat and muscle mass and their distribution, as well as a good indication of your bone density. You'll get a printed and a digital copy available on your customer portal, and we'll go through it with you in detail.

Question 5

How do I read my DEXA scan report?

Accepted Answer

Our consultants will run through your report with you in detail, with plenty of time to answer any questions. We use BodyCompPro, the leading DEXA body composition software, so your report is filled with rich and easy-to-understand information along with comparables based on the largest dataset in the UK.

Question 6

Does the DEXA Body Composition scan measure bone density and osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

A Body composition report does give a good indication of your bone density but this is only an indication and not a definitive, diagnosable result.

For the best, most accurate results or those concerned about osteoporosis we recommend our osteo scan.

Question 7

How accurate is a DEXA scan for body fat?

Accepted Answer

DEXA is the gold standard for measuring body fat. While every measurement method is essentially a prediction, DEXA is considered very accurate. Perhaps more important than accuracy is consistency — DEXA faithfully records even very small changes in body fat, meaning recorded changes are real.

Question 8

Are DEXA body scans safe?

Accepted Answer

The DEXA scan uses a tiny dose of ionising radiation (X-rays) to measure your body composition. To put the dose and the risk in perspective, it is equivalent to eating 9 bananas, and less than one day's normal background radiation that we each receive every day.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) describes the risk from the radiation dose of a body scan as "negligible".

Question 9

Where can I get a DEXA scan in London?

Accepted Answer

BodyScan has two London clinics — in Marylebone (nearest tubes Baker Street and Regent's Park) and the City of London (nearest tubes Bank and Monument). Our parent company BodyView also has additional locations across the UK. See the locations page to find what is most convenient for you.

Question 10

How does DEXA compare to bio-impedance scales and skinfold calipers?

Accepted Answer

DEXA's strength is its consistency in measuring body fat. DEXA is not subject to human error as is the case with skinfold calipers, nor does hydration affect the result as it does with bio-impedance scales. Most people using calipers are not qualified to do so, and pinching just a centimetre away from the required spot will throw the result way off.

Question 11

Can I exercise before a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

We advise minimal exercise before your scan, to set a standard set of conditions and ensure that muscles are not unduly pumped and that you are not breathing heavily when on the scanner bed. We want you to be as still as possible during the scan.

Question 12

Can I eat before a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you do not eat, or eat lightly, for four hours before your scan. This is to ensure you do not have a large meal passing through your system. However, you will always have food in your gut — the reason for the 4-hour guideline is to set a consistent physiological state each time you have a DEXA scan.

Question 13

How frequently can I have a DEXA Body Composition scan?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least eight weeks between scans. This is long enough for changes in body composition to have occurred and for you to know that you can stick to your plan; and short enough to keep you motivated and give you a short-term target.

Question 14

What do I wear for the DEXA Body Composition scan?

Accepted Answer

Please wear comfortable clothing without metal in. No zippers, poppers, reflective clothing, or underwired bras please as these items will show up on the scan as bone, this can interfere with the results of the overall bone density. Something like leggings or tracksuit bottoms or shorts with a top is ideal.

Question 15

How Do I Reschedule an Appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can reschedule an appointment up to 24 hours in advance by logging in to your account and selecting 'Amend Appointment'.

Question 16

How much is a DEXA scan at BodyScan?

Accepted Answer

BodyScan offers very competitive UK pricing for DEXA body scans. A first body composition scan is £189.00. Please visit our services page or contact us for the latest pricing. Our scans use gold-standard hardware and software unlike some other providers.

Dexa Body Scans

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Start Your Journey With Us

Fat Loss

Visceral Fat

Muscle Gain

The Most Advanced DEXA Body Composition Reports Available

With thousands of 5-star reviews and over 43,900 DEXA scans conducted using the most advanced body composition software in the industry, we deliver unrivalled results to help you achieve your fat loss or muscle gain goals.

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

It's our unmatched experience and expertise delivered in plain English that makes the BodyScan experience so valuable.

The BodyScan guides to Fat Loss & Muscle Gain!

Start Your Journey Now

"We are really adamant that our patients get DEXA scans at least once a year. I think this is a very important thing to be doing."

Our DEXA scans give all the indices advised in Outlive

What is Included?

What our Clients are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

Dexa Body Scans

Lose FatBuild MuscleStay Healthy

Start Your Journey With Us

Fat Loss

Visceral Fat

Muscle Gain

The Most Advanced DEXA Body Composition Reports Available

With thousands of 5-star reviews and over 43,900 DEXA scans conducted using the most advanced body composition software in the industry, we deliver unrivalled results to help you achieve your fat loss or muscle gain goals.

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

Join Thousands of BodyScan Customers Losing Fat and Getting Fitter!

It's our unmatched experience and expertise delivered in plain English that makes the BodyScan experience so valuable.

The BodyScan guides to Fat Loss & Muscle Gain!

Start Your Journey Now

"We are really adamant that our patients get DEXA scans at least once a year. I think this is a very important thing to be doing."

Our DEXA scans give all the indices advised in Outlive

What is Included?

What our Clients are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

Lose Fat
Build Muscle
Stay Healthy