DEXA Scan: Body Composition & Bone Density
The scale lies. DEXA scanning is the gold standard for body composition analysis—measuring fat, lean mass, visceral fat, and bone density with minimal radiation exposure. Get T-score and Z-score results for fracture risk assessment, plus precise tracking of what you're actually losing.
"You can't manage what you don't measure. DEXA is the only way to know if your weight loss plan is actually working for your metabolic health."
— Dr. Josh Lindsley, DO, DABOM · Board-Certified Obesity Medicine
What is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a whole body scan that provides precise fat mass measurement, lean mass measurement, and bone density measurement in a single 10-minute session. Using two low-energy X-ray beams, DEXA separates your body into three compartments with minimal radiation exposure (0.001 mSv—less than a cross-country flight).
This low-dose x-ray imaging uses modern x-ray technology to deliver a total body scan that supports baseline health screening and health assessment.
Originally developed for osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture risk assessment, DEXA provides T-score and Z-score results for bone health plus the most accurate body composition analysis available. Your bone density measurement compares to a healthy 30-year-old (T-score) and to others your age (Z-score).
At Highland Longevity, we have our own DEXA scanner in-house—no referrals, no waiting for outside appointments. Your whole body scan results are ready immediately and reviewed with you on the spot.
Why DEXA Matters for Weight Loss
The scale only tells part of the story. Here's why body composition tracking changes everything.
Fat vs. Muscle
Know whether you're losing fat or muscle. Patients on GLP-1 medications can lose muscle along with fat—tanking metabolism and setting you up for regain. We track both so you lose the right weight.
Regional Analysis
See where you're losing fat—and where you're not. DEXA shows composition by body region, helping identify visceral fat and asymmetries.
Objective Progress
No more guessing. Precise data every 8-12 weeks shows exactly how your protocol is working—and when to adjust.
Accuracy Comparison
Not all body composition methods are created equal. Here's how DEXA compares.
What Your Scan Measures
Every DEXA scan provides a comprehensive breakdown of your body composition.
It also supports osteoporosis screening and skeletal health tracking, which matter for long-term weight management and aging.
Total Body Fat Percentage
Your overall fat mass as a percentage of total body weight—the most important metric for metabolic health.
Lean Muscle Mass
Total lean tissue including muscle, organs, and water. Critical for tracking whether you're preserving muscle during medical weight loss.
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
The dangerous fat surrounding your organs. High VAT is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, and visceral fat analysis helps target risk.
Bone Mineral Density
Assess bone health and osteoporosis risk. Important baseline for hormone therapy and aging protocols.
Regional Composition
Fat and lean mass broken down by arms, legs, trunk, and android/gynoid regions for detailed analysis.
Appendicular Lean Mass Index
Muscle mass in your arms and legs relative to height—a key marker for sarcopenia and functional strength.
The Hidden Danger: Visceral Fat
Not all fat is created equal. Subcutaneous fat (under the skin) is mostly cosmetic, but visceral fat (around your organs) is metabolically active and dangerous.
High levels of visceral fat are directly linked to:
- ! Insulin Resistance & Type 2 Diabetes
- ! Cardiovascular Disease
- ! Chronic Inflammation
DEXA is the only non-invasive way to measure visceral fat volume mass precisely. Knowing your number is the first step to reducing it.
What to Expect
Quick, painless, and informative—this non-invasive test shows how your DEXA scan appointment works.
Check In
Wear comfortable clothing without metal. Remove jewelry and belts.
Scan
Lie still on the scanning bed for 7-10 minutes while the arm passes over you.
Results
Your detailed report generates immediately—no waiting days for results.
Review
We walk through your numbers together and discuss what they mean for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEXA is the gold standard for body composition with ±1-2% accuracy for body fat percentage. This is far more accurate than bioelectrical impedance scales (±5-8%), calipers, or BMI calculations. The precision allows us to detect meaningful changes of just 1-2 pounds of fat or muscle.
The scan itself takes about 7-10 minutes. With check-in, changing if needed, and results review, plan for a 20-30 minute appointment total.
DEXA uses very low radiation—about 0.001 mSv per scan. For comparison, a chest X-ray is about 100x more radiation, a mammogram is 400x more, and a cross-country flight exposes you to about 40x more. It's completely safe for regular monitoring every 8-12 weeks.
For weight loss patients, we recommend scanning every 8-12 weeks. This gives enough time to see meaningful changes (2-4% body fat) while allowing for protocol adjustments if progress stalls. More frequent scanning doesn't provide actionable data.
For the most consistent results: avoid eating or drinking 2-3 hours before, wear light clothing without metal (athletic wear is ideal), avoid exercise the morning of, and try to scan at the same time of day for follow-ups. Hydration and food can slightly affect readings.
InBody uses bioelectrical impedance—it sends electrical current through your body and estimates composition based on resistance. It's convenient but much less accurate (±5-8%) and affected by hydration, recent meals, and exercise. DEXA directly measures tissue density using X-ray, making it the clinical gold standard.
Know Your Numbers
Stop guessing about your progress. Get precise, actionable data on your body composition with an in-house DEXA scan at Highland Longevity.
Medical References & Guidelines
- Shepherd, J. A., et al. (2017). Body Composition by DXA. Bone.
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). (2019). Official Positions - Body Composition Analysis.
- Bazzocchi, A., et al. (2016). DXA: Technical aspects and application. European Journal of Radiology.
Considering different body composition technologies?
Compare DEXA vs InBody Scans