Exciting news for anyone concerned about their bone health: from Monday 3rd June, BodyScan's Marylebone branch will be offering DEXA Bone Health Scans! Whether you’re worried about osteoporosis, want a baseline as you get older, or just curious about your long-term skeletal strength, this is a game-changer for your health journey.
Already trusted for their unrivalled body composition scans, BodyScan is now extending its expertise to bone density testing with the launch of DEXA Osteo Scans in the heart of London. The new scan gives you a powerful insight into the health of your bones and helps you take preventative action before problems arise.
Why Bone Health Matters (Even if You’re Young)
When we think about getting older, we often focus on ageing, or slowing metabolism. But bone health is one of the most crucial and overlooked aspects of ageing. In fact, loss of bone density can begin as early as your 30s and accelerates with age, particularly for women after menopause.
Low bone density increases your risk of osteopenia (mild bone loss) and osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and more likely to fracture. What’s more, most people don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s too late – often after a fracture.
That’s why a DEXA bone scan is so important. It’s the gold-standard tool used by clinicians worldwide to assess bone mineral density (BMD), giving you a crystal-clear snapshot of your skeletal strength.
Introducing the DEXA Osteo Scan
BodyScan’s new DEXA Osteo Scan focuses exclusively on bone health. The scan provides an in-depth analysis of your bone mineral density at the spine and hip – the areas most prone to osteoporotic fractures.
Using a low-dose X-ray, the scan compares your BMD to that of a healthy young adult (your T-score) and to others your age (Z-score). This is exactly the same assessment you’d receive through the NHS if you were referred – but without the long wait times.
Each scan comes with a detailed report that highlights:
Your BMD measurements in g/cm2
T-scores and Z-scores for spine and hip
Clear interpretation of whether your bone density is normal, low (osteopenia), or very low (osteoporosis)
What’s in the Report?
Take a look at the sample DEXA Osteo Scan report and you’ll see how comprehensive and easy-to-understand it is.
You’ll receive values for Total Hip, Femoral Neck, and Lumbar Spine (L1-L4). Each of these sites is evaluated separately, and your lowest T-score is used to determine your diagnosis based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria:
T-score >-1.0: Normal
T-score between -1.0 and -2.5: Osteopenia
T-score <-2.5: Osteoporosis
The report also includes your Fracture Risk Classification, based on your T-scores and other risk factors, such as age, gender, and BMI. This helps you and your GP make informed decisions about treatment, supplements, or lifestyle changes.
Example DEXA Osteo Scan report
Who Should Get a Bone Health Scan?
While anyone can benefit from a bone health scan, it’s especially recommended for people who:
Are post-menopausal women
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Are over 50 years old
Follow a very low-calorie diet
Are on long-term steroid medication
Have low levels of physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercise
Have experienced unexplained fractures or loss of height
Even athletes and gym-goers with very low body fat might be surprised by low bone density due to energy deficiency (known as RED-S – Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).
What to Expect During Your Scan
The process is quick, safe, and entirely non-invasive. You’ll lie fully clothed on the scanning bed while the DEXA machine scans your spine and hips. The low-dose X-ray exposure is less than that of a transatlantic flight.
The scan itself takes only 10-15 minutes, and the whole appointment lasts around 40 minutes. You’ll walk away with a detailed report and a clearer understanding of your bone health.
Unlike a standard NHS referral, there’s no GP referral required to book a DEXA Osteo Scan at BodyScan. It’s entirely self-referral and available to anyone concerned about their bone health.
The Benefits of Early Detection
Just like catching a disease early gives you the best chance of a cure, spotting low bone density before it becomes a major problem can prevent serious consequences down the line. Early action may include:
Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake
Adjusting your training to include more resistance and impact-based exercise
Addressing nutritional deficiencies
Speaking with your GP
By identifying issues early, you can reduce your risk of fractures, maintain mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life as you age.
Bundle It with a Body Composition Scan
For a truly picture of your health, why not combine your DEXA Osteo Scan with one of BodyScan’s industry-leading body composition scans?
A full DEXA Body & Bone Scan, includes:
Total and regional body fat and lean mass
Visceral fat (linked to serious health conditions)
Muscle balance between left and right limbs
A detailed progress report if you’re on a fat loss or muscle gain journey
A detailed report of your bone health
Pairing the two scans offers a complete overview of your physical health – not just how you look on the outside, but what’s happening beneath the surface.
Pricing and How to Book
The DEXA Osteo Scan will be available to book online from Monday 3rd June at the Marylebone branch. Prices and appointment slots will be listed on the BodyScan website.
There’s no need to wait for symptoms or a GP referral. If you’re serious about your long-term health, a DEXA bone scan is a smart investment in your future.
With the launch of the DEXA Osteo Scan in Marylebone, BodyScan continues to lead the way in personal health diagnostics. This powerful new scan gives you control over your bone health and arms you with the knowledge to take action before problems arise.
Bone loss is silent, but your scan doesn’t have to be. Book your appointment from 3rd June and get the answers your bones deserve!
Strong bones. Smarter choices. It all starts with a scan.