If you’re looking to get a DEXA body fat scan, there’s not much you need to do in terms of preparation. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to prepare for a DEXA body fat scan to make sure the results are accurate.
What is a DEXA Body Fat Scan
DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a method of measuring body fat percentage that is considered to be the gold standard. DEXA scans are quick, painless, and highly accurate.
At the end of your scan, you will have data on your lean mass and fat mass percentage and their distribution throughout your body.
How to Prepare for a DEXA Body Fat Scan
Preparation for a DEXA scan is simple. There isn’t much you need to do or any particular way you need to dress. Still, I will address the most frequently asked questions about preparing for a DEXA body fat scan.
Can I Eat Before a DEXA Body Fat Scan?
There is no need to fast or change your diet in any way. There are no eating restrictions whatsoever. You can eat right up until exam time. Same for drinking water and other liquids, no restrictions.
On a personal note, I wonder about the impacts of eating either a large protein intake or a high fat intake right before the scan, like a fatty steak. I have not tried this, but I do wonder if it would register as higher lean mass or higher fat in my stomach if it is undigested.
With that being stated above, I tend to eat an hour before I get a body fat scan so that I have time to digest. There is no research I could find to suggest eating as I described above to be an issue.
Can I Take Medication?
Most medications before a body fat scan are ok and you should take anything prescribed by your doctor on the day of the test.
You should avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test, as they can interfere with the accuracy of the bone density results. The machine will calculate the calcium as extra bone and may produce an inaccurate reading, which would skew the lean mass and body fat percentages as well.
Can I Have Caffeine?
Yes, you can have caffeine before a body fat scan. Caffeine will have no bearing on the test results.
The only consideration would be if caffeine makes you jittery, then it can impact your ability to lie still. The scan requires you to keep your body completely still for about 10 minutes.
So while caffeine doesn’t impact the test results directly, it may impact your ability to be still. If that is the case for you I would suggest waiting to have caffeine until after the scan.
What Should I Wear to a DEXA Body Fat Scan?
You can wear whatever you like, as long as it doesn’t have metal on it. This means no belts, zippers, underwire bras, etc. DEXA scans use very low doses of ionizing radiation (similar to what you would be exposed to during a chest X-Ray), so you need to remove jewelry or other metal objects.
Clothing For Males
As a male, I typically wear workout clothes like shorts and a t-shirt. The first time I went I was wearing a baggy hoodie that the tech asked me to remove. If you wear pants like jeans, they can’t have metal buttons.
Clothing For Females
For females, I would suggest gym or yoga clothes like a sports bra and leggings. I do however think a dress is also fine. If you wear pants like jeans, they can’t have metal buttons.
Items You Need to Remove Before the Scan
Before the scan, the tech will ask you to remove specific items: This can include: baggy clothes, jewelry, eyeglasses, footwear, phones, keys, belts, and anything potentially containing metal.
Can I Exercise Before a Body Fat Scan?
Yes, you can exercise immediately before a body fat scan. An elevated heart rate will have no bearing on the test results.
The only consideration would be that with an elevated heart rate you may have trouble lying still during the scan. The scan requires you to keep your body completely still for about 10 minutes.
So while exercise doesn’t impact the test results directly, it may impact your ability to be still. If you think that describes you, post-workout, then it may be best to exercise after your scan.
Can I Bring Someone With Me?
This may vary from facility to facility and also may be dependent on your circumstances. In my experience at the DEXA scanning facility near me, no, my friend was asked to stay in the waiting room. However, if you are elderly and need assistance, your companion may be allowed to sit in the room during your scan.
How to Prepare for a DEXA Body Fat Scan – Conclusion
Overall, there is not much you need to do to prepare for a DEXA body fat scan. Just avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test and remove any metal objects from your clothing. You can eat, drink caffeine, and exercise before the test without affecting the results.
Something I perosnally do is measure my body fat at home first with calipers. Then when I get my DEXA results I can see how good my technique is with my calipers. This helps me understand how to measure better in between scans.