DEXA Body Fat Scan Near Me

If you’re looking for the most accurate way to measure your body fat, a DEXA scan is the best option. DEXA scans are quick, easy, and painless, and they provide a more accurate measurement of body fat than other methods like underwater weighing or skinfold calipers. Below I will discuss where to book one, how they work, costs, and other FAQs. I will also share my experience with the place I go for a DEXA body fat scan near me.

Map of Dexa Scan Body Fat Scan Near Me

For, “DEXA Body Fat Scan Near Me”, see the map below…

What is a DEXA Scan for Body Fat?

A DEXA scan for body fat is a tool that uses dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure your body composition (lean mass vs fat mass). This type of scan is often used by athletes or those who are seeking to improve their physical appearance.

DEXA scans are painless and take about 15-20 minutes. During the scan, you will lie on a table while a DEXA machine scans your body.

This method of measuring body composition is considered to be one the most accurate methods. DEXA scans can measure not only total body fat but also regional fat distribution.

How Much Does a DEXA Body Fat Scan Cost?

The DEXA body fat scans near me cost can vary depending on the facility. However, the average cost of a DEXA body fat scan is $50-$100.

In my experience with the DEXA body composition scan near me, I paid $107 for my first visit and now I pay $87 for each subsequent visit.

Does Insurance cover a DEXA Body Fat Scan?

No, insurance typically doesn’t cover a body composition scan, however, there are ways to save a bit. If you have a tax-deferred Health Savings Account (HSA) to which you contribute, you can use an HSA card to pay for it.

There may be some outside chances that insurance could cover the cost if a doctor writes you a referral due to obesity.

What Are The Benefits of Getting a DEXA Body Fat Scan?

There are many benefits of getting a body fat scan including:

These are one of the most accurate methods for measuring body composition.
It can measure not only total body fat but also regional fat distribution, lean mass, and lean mass distribution.
The results show the differences in your left and right appendages allowing you to make assessments about muscle imbalances.
The scan provides a baseline measurement that you can track over time to see your progress.
It can motivate you to stay on track with your fitness goals.
The data can help you make informed decisions about your diet and exercise routine.
It is a quick and noninvasive scan that can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes total.

For a detailed list of benefits on body fat scans, read this.

How Often Should I Get a DEXA Body Fat Scan?

How often you get scanned is up to you. Some people choose to go every few months, while others only get one every year or so. I like to go once a quarter (every three months).

If you are working with a coach or trainer, they may recommend you get a DEXA body fat scan more frequently so that they can adjust your training and nutrition plan accordingly.

No matter how often you choose to get it done, it’s important to remember that the data is just one tool to measure your progress. They should not be used as the sole source of information when making decisions about your diet and exercise routine.

Alternative Tests to Measure Body Fat

There are a few other tests that can be used to measure body fat. These include skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and hydrostatic weighing.

Skinfold Calipers

Skinfold calipers are the most common method of measuring body fat. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, they are not as accurate as DEXA scans, but you can do it from home and there is no radiation exposure.

BIA

BIA is a method of measuring body composition that uses electrical impedance. It’s quick, easy, relatively inexpensive, there is no radiation, and it can be done at home. However, it can be affected by hydration levels and is not as accurate as DEXA scans.

Hydrostatic Weighing

Underwater weighing is considered to be the most accurate method of measuring body fat and there is no radiation exposure. However, it is the most inconvenient. You have to get fully undressed and be submerged in water 4 to 5 times. While the test itself only takes 15 to 30 min, the entire process is about an hour. You can find a hydrostatic testing location here.

How Much Radiation are You Exposed to?

One of the biggest concerns people have about DEXA scans is the amount of radiation they are exposed to. The good news is that the amount of radiation you are exposed to during a DEXA scan is very low. It’s lower than the amount of radiation you’re exposed to from a chest X-ray or a flight from Boston to New York.

Who Shouldn’t Get a DEXA scan for Body Composition?

There are a few people who shouldn’t get a DEXA body composition scan. These include:

Pregnant women
Children
Those who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant
Folks with pacemakers or other implanted devices
Those with metallic implants
Those with active cancer
Folks who are extremely obese (BMI over 40)

If you have any concerns about whether or not a DEXA scan is right for you, please consult with your doctor.

What to Wear to a DEXA Scan for Body Fat

There isn’t any prep you need to do before the exam and it’s best to dress lite for the scan. The first time I went it was winter and I wore a baggy hoodie, which I had to take off. The easiest thing to wear to your scan is gym clothes. Shorts or leggings and a not-to-the-loose-fitting T-shirt.

If you have eyewear you will need to take them off. Keys, phones, and anything metal needs to be out of your pockets. Footwear needs to be removed, but keeping your socks on is fine.

How Long Does It Take and What Is It Like?

The DEXA scan itself only takes about 10-15 minutes. However, you need to allow time to get situated on the table and let the tech check the machine. I would say the whole process takes about 30 minutes.

You lie down on a table and the machine moves over your body. The machine makes a noise that sounds like an MRI but it’s not as loud. You don’t feel anything during the scan.

After the DEXA body fat scan is complete, you dress, get your results and leave.

What is Listed on The Results of a Body Fat Scan

When you receive your DEXA body fat scan results, there are a few things that will be listed.

Total Mass: This is the amount of weight in pounds (lbs) of your body.
Fat Mass: This is the amount of fat in pounds (lbs) of your body.
Lean Mass: This is the amount of muscle in pounds (lbs) of your body.
BMC: This is the Bone Mineral Content in pounds (lbs) of your body.
BMI: This is your Body Mass Index
BMR: This is your basal metabolic rate. This is the number of calories you burn at rest.

Other Data on the Results

If you have had a scan before, at the same facility, you will see your previous results. You can use the line graph to determine if your body fat or lean mass has gone up or down from your previous visit. Additionally, you can see the results broken down by Arms (left and right), Legs (left and right), trunk, Android, and Gynooid.

If you have a doctor or athletic coach who requested the test, they may make recommendations for lifestyle changes or weight loss/gain based on the data.

Do They Help You Read the Results?

In most cases, the technician who performed the scan will look at your printout. They may do some interpretation, although DEXA scan results for body fat are pretty easy to understand. Most technicians will make sure to answer questions about the data or the scanning process that you have.

How Accurate is a DEXA Scan for Body Fat?

In the fitness industry, the DEXA scan for body fat is considered the gold standard. Still, they can have error rates between 4 and 10%.

Where to Get a Dexa Body Fat Scan Near Me

There are DEXA scan locations all over the world. You can find one near you by doing a Google search for “Dexa body fat scan near me”. Common places to get them are X-ray and Imaging facilities, Arthritis and Sports Orthopedic Centers, hospitals, and even some high-end gyms.

If you have health insurance, check with your provider to see if DEXA scans are covered. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of the DEXA scan if it is considered medically necessary. In most cases though a body fat scan, will not be covered.

Additionally, many DEXA scan locations offer packages that include the cost of the scan, a consultation, and follow-up visits for a discounted price.