DEXA body composition scans in Fort Worth, explained in plain English.

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.

T-score compares your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old adult. A T-score above −1.0 is normal, −1.0 to −2.5 indicates osteopenia, and below −2.5 indicates osteoporosis. Z-score compares you to others your age and gender. Both are used for fracture risk assessment. Your physician interprets these results in the context of your overall health.

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.

Preparation is simple: avoid eating or drinking 2-3 hours before, wear light comfortable clothing without metal (athletic wear is ideal), skip strenuous exercise the morning of, and try to scan at the same time of day for follow-ups. Hydration and recent meals can slightly affect readings, so consistency helps track true body composition changes.

Your DEXA scan shows: total body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue (dangerous belly fat), bone mineral density with T-score and Z-score, regional breakdown by body area (arms, legs, trunk), and appendicular lean mass index. You receive a detailed report and physician interpretation of what each metric means for your metabolic health and goals.

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.

Our team confirms the cost of your DEXA scan when you book. Each scan includes the full-body medical-grade scan and physician review of results. Most patients get scans every 8-12 weeks to track progress on weight loss or hormone protocols. Costs for ongoing scans are reviewed with you at your consultation.