DEXA Scan FAQs
If you’ve heard about DEXA scans but aren’t quite sure what they are or why people get them, you’re in the right place. DEXA scans are becoming increasingly popular for measuring body composition and bone density, offering detailed insights into your health that go beyond the numbers on a scale. Whether you're curious about how they work, what the process is like, or how the results can help you, this FAQ guide covers the most common questions people have about DEXA scans.
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan is a non-invasive, quick, and highly accurate imaging test used to measure bone density and body composition. It uses two low-dose x-ray beams to assess the amount of bone, fat, and muscle in your body, giving you a detailed look at your bone health and body fat percentage, as well as where your muscle mass is distributed.
What Does a DEXA Scan Measure?
A DEXA scan provides three primary measurements:
Bone Density: The scan measures the density of your bones, often used to assess your risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
Body Fat Percentage: DEXA scans provide an accurate measurement of body fat percentage and show where fat is stored in your body.
Lean Muscle Mass: You can see how much muscle you have and where it is distributed across your body.
These measurements give you a comprehensive view of your body composition, far beyond what you can get from a typical scale or BMI calculation.
Why Should I Get a DEXA Scan?
People get DEXA scans for a variety of reasons:
Bone Health Monitoring: If you are at risk for osteoporosis or want to monitor bone density, a DEXA scan can detect bone loss early.
Fitness Tracking: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use DEXA scans to measure muscle growth and fat loss, ensuring they’re on the right track with their fitness goals.
Weight Management: If you’re working to lose weight, a DEXA scan helps you understand how much fat you’re losing versus muscle, allowing you to adjust your nutrition and exercise plans for better results.
Overall Health: DEXA scans provide insights into fat distribution, including visceral fat, which is linked to health risks like heart disease and diabetes.
Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
Yes, DEXA scans are very safe. The scan uses very low levels of radiation, much lower than a standard x-ray. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a DEXA scan is minimal, roughly equivalent to what you’d experience during a cross-country flight. Because of this, DEXA scans can be repeated regularly without concern for health risks.
How Long Does a DEXA Scan Take?
The scan itself only takes about 10 minutes. It’s a quick, painless process where you simply lie on a padded table while the scanner arm moves over your body. While the scan is brief, you should plan for about 15-20 minutes total to account for check-in and preparation time.
Do I Need to Prepare for a DEXA Scan?
There are a few simple steps you can take to prepare for a DEXA scan:
Wear Metal-Free Clothing: Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or underwire bras, as metal can interfere with the scan.
Skip Calcium Supplements: If you take calcium supplements, avoid them for 24 hours before your scan, as they can affect bone density measurements.
Have a Light Meal: You don’t need to fast, but it’s a good idea to avoid eating a large meal right before the scan.
Remove Jewelry: Any jewelry or metal accessories should be removed to avoid interference with the x-ray.
Following these steps will help ensure you get the most accurate results from your DEXA scan.
Will the DEXA Scan Hurt?
No, DEXA scans are completely painless. You’ll lie still on a table while the scanner arm passes over your body. There’s no need for any injections, needles, or physical discomfort. The process is quick, and most people find it very comfortable.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
A wide range of people can benefit from a DEXA scan:
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: If you want to track muscle growth or fat loss with precise data, a DEXA scan is an ideal tool.
People Focused on Weight Loss: Those on a weight loss journey can use a DEXA scan to monitor fat loss and ensure they are preserving muscle mass.
Older Adults or Those at Risk for Osteoporosis: If you’re concerned about bone density or want to prevent bone-related issues, a DEXA scan provides key insights.
Anyone Interested in Overall Health: A DEXA scan helps you understand your body composition and make more informed health decisions, particularly if you’re concerned about fat distribution and its impact on health.
How Often Should I Get a DEXA Scan?
The frequency of DEXA scans depends on your health goals:
Bone Density Monitoring: If you’re tracking bone health or at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend a scan every 1-2 years.
Fitness Tracking: If you’re monitoring changes in muscle mass or fat, you may want to get a DEXA scan every 3-6 months to track your progress. We even offer a monthly plan for those who have the goals and aspirations that benefit from 30 days check-ins.
General Health Checkups: Some people choose to get a DEXA scan annually as part of their overall health assessment.
Will My Insurance Cover a DEXA Scan? What about FSA and HSA accounts?
DEXA scans used for medical purposes, such as diagnosing or monitoring osteoporosis, may be covered by insurance. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm what is and isn’t covered. However, we are able to process HSA and FSA cards as payment methods for our DEXA scans.
How Do I Interpret the Results?
Your DEXA scan results will provide a detailed breakdown of your bone density, body fat percentage, and muscle mass. For bone density, your report will include a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult:
T-score above -1: Normal bone density.
T-score between -1 and -2.5: Indicates osteopenia, a condition of lower-than-normal bone density that could lead to osteoporosis.
T-score below -2.5: Indicates osteoporosis.
For body composition, the results will show your total body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and where fat is stored. If you’re unsure about how to interpret the results, you can always consult with a healthcare provider or fitness expert to help you understand what the numbers mean for your health and goals.
Conclusion
A DEXA scan is one of the most accurate tools available for measuring bone density and body composition. Whether you’re monitoring your bone health, tracking fitness progress, or aiming to understand your body fat distribution, a DEXA scan provides valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about your health.
With the information from a DEXA scan, you can set better fitness goals, tailor your nutrition and exercise plans, and stay on top of your overall well-being. If you’re thinking about getting a DEXA scan, now you know what to expect and how it can benefit you! Get started today by booking a DEXA Scan with Nomad Fit Lab.
Sources:
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. "What is a DEXA scan?" https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/bone-mineral-density-tests-what-numbers-mean.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry for Body Composition." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Mayo Clinic. "Bone Density Test." https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-density-test/about/pac-20385277.
Cleveland Clinic. "Body Fat Composition via DEXA Scan." https://my.clevelandclinic.org.
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. "Understanding DEXA Results." https://www.niams.nih.gov.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease." https://www.niams.nih.gov.
American Council on Exercise (ACE). "Body Composition and Fitness." https://www.acefitness.org.
Harvard Health Publishing. "Monitoring Fat Loss and Muscle Mass with DEXA." https://www.health.harvard.edu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Visceral Fat and Health Risks." https://www.cdc.gov.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Radiation Exposure During a DEXA Scan." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Mayo Clinic. "Is a DEXA Scan Safe?" https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-density-test/about/pac-20385277.
Cleveland Clinic. "What to Expect During a DEXA Scan." https://my.clevelandclinic.org.