The treatments guide
DEXA body-composition scan
A low-dose X-ray scan that measures fat, lean mass and bone by region.
Awaiting clinical review. Written carefully from the sources below, but not yet signed off by a qualified clinician. Please don't use it to make decisions about your health. How we review.
What the evidence says
The most precise widely available way to track body composition. Small changes between scans can be within the margin of error, so don't rescan too often.
- Good for
- A baseline before a new program or a GLP-1, and checking every few months.
- Not for
- Pregnancy.
- Risks
- A very small radiation dose.
- Insurance
- Usually not covered for body composition; bone-density scans for medical reasons often are.
- Typical cost
- $40–$150 a scanAn estimate, still being checked. Ask for the full price, and check your coverage, before you book.
Questions to ask
- What will this tell us, and what will we do differently because of it?
- What does it cost in total, and will insurance or my HSA/FSA cover it?
- Who will explain the results to me?
General education, not medical advice. Choose licensed providers, and talk to a doctor if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication. Medical disclaimer.
