DEXA Body Scan
The scale lies. It can't tell you whether you're losing fat or muscle—and that difference matters. DEXA scanning is the gold standard for body composition, giving you precise measurements of fat, lean mass, and bone density so you know exactly what's changing.
What is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a medical imaging technology that uses two low-energy X-ray beams to precisely measure the composition of your body—separating fat tissue, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density.
Originally developed to diagnose osteoporosis, DEXA has become the gold standard for body composition analysis because of its unmatched accuracy. Unlike bathroom scales or handheld devices that estimate based on electrical resistance, DEXA directly measures tissue density throughout your entire body.
At Highland Longevity, we have our own DEXA scanner in-house—no referrals, no waiting for outside appointments, no extra trips to imaging centers. Your 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.
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.
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.
What to Expect
Quick, painless, and informative—here's 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.