DEXA Body Composition
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Zand, MD · Board-Certified in Regenerative Medicine · Last updated April 2026
The gold standard in body composition analysis. Get precise measurements of body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone density to optimize your health and track real progress.
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning is the clinical gold standard for measuring body composition, providing precise measurements of bone mineral density, lean muscle mass, and body fat percentage with over 99% accuracy. Originally developed for osteoporosis diagnosis, DEXA technology is now widely used in longevity medicine to establish baseline body composition metrics and track changes over time.
Who Is This For?
Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts
Track muscle gain, fat loss, and body composition changes
Weight Loss Patients
Monitor progress beyond the scale with precise body fat measurements
Aging Adults
Screen for osteoporosis risk and track bone mineral density
Biohackers
Establish baselines and optimize body composition protocols
What Our Patients Say
"The DEXA scan gave me exact numbers on my body composition. I could finally see that my training was building muscle, not just moving weight on the scale. The report was incredibly detailed."
— Michael R., Body Composition Analysis
"As someone with a family history of osteoporosis, the bone density data was invaluable. Now I have a clear baseline to track."
— Sarah L., Bone Density Screening
Why Choose DEXA Scanning
Move beyond guesswork with clinical-grade body composition analysis.
Precision Accuracy
Gold-standard measurement with 99% accuracy for body fat, muscle mass, and bone density analysis.
Regional Analysis
Detailed breakdown of fat and muscle distribution across arms, legs, trunk, and visceral regions.
Bone Health
Assess bone mineral density to identify osteoporosis risk and monitor bone health over time.
Progress Tracking
Compare scans over time to measure real changes in body composition from your health protocols.
Beyond the Scale
Understand the difference between fat loss and muscle gain - metrics a scale can't provide.
Metabolic Insights
Estimate your resting metabolic rate based on precise lean mass measurements.
What We Measure
Comprehensive metrics that tell the complete story of your body composition.
Total Body Fat %
Your overall body fat percentage with clinical accuracy
Lean Muscle Mass
Total muscle tissue in pounds/kg for each body region
Visceral Fat
Dangerous fat around organs - a key longevity marker
Bone Mineral Density
T-scores and Z-scores for osteoporosis assessment
Android/Gynoid Ratio
Fat distribution pattern and metabolic health indicator
Appendicular Lean Mass
Muscle mass in arms and legs for sarcopenia screening
Pricing
Single Session
$150
Package of 3
$375
Save 17%
VIP members receive 15-30% off all treatments. View membership benefits →
Clinical Evidence
DEXA scanning provides body fat measurements with a precision error of just 1-2%, making it significantly more accurate than bioelectrical impedance or skinfold calipers (Shepherd et al., British Journal of Radiology, 2012).
A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Densitometry found that serial DEXA scans were the most reliable method for tracking changes in visceral adipose tissue, a key biomarker for metabolic disease risk (Kaul et al., 2019).
Research published in Osteoporosis International demonstrated that DEXA-based body composition monitoring improved patient adherence to exercise programs by 34% compared to weight-only tracking (Lee et al., 2021).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DEXA scan take?
The actual scan takes only 6-10 minutes. Including preparation and consultation, plan for about 30 minutes total.
Is there any radiation exposure?
DEXA uses very low radiation - about 1/10th of a chest X-ray. It's considered extremely safe for regular monitoring.
How often should I get scanned?
For tracking body composition changes, we recommend every 8-12 weeks. This allows enough time to see meaningful changes from your protocols.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing. Avoid eating a large meal 2-3 hours before. Stay consistently hydrated as you normally would.
How much does a DEXA scan cost?
$150 per scan, or $375 for a package of 3. VIP members save 15-30%.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
We recommend every 3-6 months to track body composition changes and assess the effectiveness of your fitness and nutrition program.
Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes. DEXA uses very low-dose X-ray, less than 1/10th the radiation of a standard chest X-ray and equivalent to about one day of natural background radiation.
How should I prepare for a DEXA scan?
Wear lightweight clothing without metal. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours before. Stay hydrated but avoid excessive water intake right before the scan.
What does a DEXA scan measure?
DEXA precisely measures bone mineral density, lean muscle mass, body fat percentage, and visceral adipose tissue distribution across different body regions.
Can I combine DEXA with other tests?
Absolutely. We recommend pairing DEXA with VO2 Max testing and a full blood panel for a complete health baseline.
Is a DEXA scan covered by insurance?
Most regenerative and longevity treatments are not covered by traditional insurance. Evolve Longevity offers package pricing and VIP memberships to make treatments more accessible.
Who is a good candidate for a DEXA scan?
DEXA scanning is ideal for anyone serious about tracking their fitness progress, athletes optimizing body composition, individuals concerned about bone health or osteoporosis risk, and anyone starting a new health or weight management program.
Know Your Body Inside Out
Stop guessing and start measuring. Book your DEXA scan and get the precise data you need to optimize your health.
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