What to Expect
- Gold standard, non-invasive test for body composition.
- Duration: ~30 min (DEXA only) | 60 min (DEXA + Nutrition consultation).
- Includes weight & height measurement (max weight 300 lbs).
- You’ll lie on your back for ~10 minutes; results reviewed immediately.
Measurements Included
- Your DEXA scan provides a clear picture of your body’s composition:
- Body fat & lean mass: Shows how much of your body is fat versus muscle and other tissues.
- Android/gynoid ratio: Indicates where fat is stored, such as around your waist versus hips and thighs.
- Bone mineral density: Measures the strength and health of your bones.
- Resting metabolic rate: Estimates how many calories your body burns each day while at rest.
- This information helps you understand your body and track changes over time.
Before Your Scan
- Avoid exercise 12 hours prior; no heavy workouts 24 hours prior.
- Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing (no zippers, clasps, rivets, buckles).
- Remove metallic jewelry; inform staff of any metal in your body (pins, joint replacements).
- Do not scan if pregnant.
- Avoid nuclear scans or contrast dye within 2 weeks.
- Stay normally hydrated.
Fasting Guidelines
- Morning scans: overnight fast; drink fluids normally.
- Afternoon scans: fast at least 4 hours; drink fluids normally.
- Follow-up scans: keep the same routine as baseline (eat, exercise, hydrate similarly; come at the same time).
Know the Risks
- The amount of radiation used in a DEXA scan is extremely small. The effective dose from a DEXA exam (<10 µSv) is among the lowest of doses resulting from commonly used medical x-ray examinations. For example, a conventional chest x-ray examination of 60 µSv. The radiation received from a DEXA scan is comparable to the background radiation received by an average person over a normal day in North America and lower than what a person is exposed to flying coast to coast in Canada. It is very safe but not recommended for pregnant women.