DEXA body fat scans are becoming increasingly popular as people become more interested in their health and fitness. But how much does a DEXA body fat scan cost? And is it worth the money? I will address the cost and FAQs regarding the cost in this article below…
What is a DEXA Body Fat Scan?
A DEXA body fat scan is a type of body composition scan. It uses dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure your lean mass and fat mass. DEXA is the most accurate way to measure body fat percentage.
How Much Does a DEXA Body Fat Scan Cost?
The DEXA body fat scan cost will vary depending on the facility you go to. However, on average, the DEXA body fat scan cost is $50-$100.
It is common to get a higher price the first time you go and a discounted rate on every subsequent visit. For example at the place I get a DEXA body fat scan near me, I paid $107 for my first scan and then $87 each time I went back.
If you find a gym or university that has a DEXA scanner, you may find rates towards the lower end of the spectrum. Typically medical facilities charge towards the higher end.
Does Insurance Cover a DEXA Body Fat Scan Cost?
In most cases, insurance does not cover DEXA body fat scans. This is because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if you have a medical reason for getting a DEXA scan, such as obesity, your insurance may cover part or all of the cost.
It is always best to check with your insurance company before getting a DEXA scan to see if they will cover any of the cost.
You Can However Use Your HSA to Cover the Cost of a Body Fat Scan…
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use it to pay for a DEXA scan for body composition.
A Health Savings Account is a type of savings account that allows you to set aside money for medical expenses. The money in the account is not taxed and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, which include DEXA body fat scans.
To be eligible for an HSA, you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan. If you’re not sure if your health insurance plan qualifies, you can check with your insurer.
If you are eligible for an HSA and have one, you can use it to cover the cost of a DEXA body fat scan. You will just need to submit your receipts to your HSA. It’s even easier if you use your HSA credit card, then there is nothing to submit after.
Cheaper Ways to Measure Body Fat
There are a few other ways that you can measure your body fat percentage. Some methods are not as accurate as DEXA, but they are cheaper.
Skinfold Calipers
The most common way to measure body fat percentage is with skinfold calipers. This involves pinching the skin in different areas of the body and measuring the thickness with calipers. You can pick up a pair of calipers on Amazon for less than $10.
It is a bit of a pain to do by yourself and not as accurate, but it is pretty easy and convenient. I have found my skinfold measurements to be in the ballpark with my DEXA scan measurements for body fat.
They do sell fancy digital calipers for a bit more, but in my experience, the cheap plastic ones are just as good.
BIA Scales
You can also use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This involves passing a small electrical current through the body. The resistance to the current is used to estimate body fat percentage.
BIA devices are available for home use, but they are not as accurate as DEXA scanning. BIA devices can be included with home scales or there are also handheld devices that you grip. A body weight scale with BIA included usually cost $60 to $100. A hand-held device usually costs about $100.
The trouble with BIA devices is that they are partial to the body parts they are touching. For example, a BIA handheld does a better job of estimating the body fat in your arms and chest. While a body weight scale with BIA is better at measuring body fat in your legs and abdomen.
The best BIA devices are those that have multiple contact points. For example, you stand on the scale and you grab onto handles.
Hydrostatic Weighing
This test is done at a special facility or a university lab. It’s one of the most precise methods (error rates between 1.8 and 2.8%) for determining body fat. You’ll be immersed in water while sitting on a scale during the test. Your body fat percentage will be calculated by comparing your land weight to your underwater weight, according to an administrator.
Testing usually takes about an hour. Price: $50 for the first test ($35 for additional). While that is cheaper than a DEXA scan and slightly more accurate, they are much harder to find and book time, it takes longer to perform the test, and requires you to get fully undressed and do a few submersions.
You can find hydrostatic test for body fat here.
How Much Does a DEXA Body Fat Scan Cost – Bottom Line
There are DEXA body fat scanning centers all over the world and the body fat scan cost is relatively affordable. If you want an accurate measurement of your body fat, that’s easy to administer, DEXA is the way to go.
If you have an HSA, you can use it to cover the cost of a DEXA scan. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you can try skinfold calipers, BIA scales, or hydrostatic weighing. Except for hydrostatic weighing, these methods are less accurate than DEXA, but they are still useful for measuring body fat percentage.