DEXA Body Composition Scan

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan providing bone mineral density measurements alongside a detailed body composition breakdown. The scan quantifies total and regional body fat percentage, lean muscle mass distribution across limbs and trunk, visceral fat estimation, and bone density T-scores at key skeletal sites, all in a single low-radiation session lasting about 15 minutes of active scan time.

The DEXA scan at DNA Health & Wellness serves a dual purpose: it is both the clinical standard for osteoporosis screening via bone mineral density measurement and one of the most precise tools available for body composition analysis. Unlike bioelectrical impedance scales or skinfold callipers, DEXA uses two low-energy X-ray beams to distinguish between bone mineral, lean tissue, and fat tissue with high accuracy and reproducibility. For bone density, the scan measures the lumbar spine and proximal femur — the sites most predictive of osteoporotic fracture. Results are expressed as T-scores (comparison to peak bone mass in a healthy young adult) and Z-scores (comparison to age-matched peers). The World Health Organization classifies T-scores above minus 1.0 as normal, between minus 1.0 and minus 2.5 as osteopenia, and below minus 2.5 as osteoporosis. The body composition component breaks down total mass into fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content, expressed both as whole-body totals and as segmental values for each arm, each leg, and the trunk. This segmental data reveals asymmetries in muscle development, localised fat deposition patterns, and visceral fat accumulation around the abdominal organs. Visceral adipose tissue is metabolically distinct from subcutaneous fat and is more strongly associated with insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and systemic inflammation. The radiation dose from a DEXA scan is minimal — roughly equivalent to one to two days of natural background radiation, and less than a tenth of a standard chest X-ray. This makes DEXA safe for repeated measurements, which is where its true value lies: when tracked over six to twelve month intervals, DEXA can detect changes in bone density as small as one to two percent and shifts in fat and muscle mass of a few hundred grams, providing objective feedback on training programmes, dietary interventions, or hormonal treatments. The active scan takes about 15 minutes. Patients lie on an open, unenclosed table while the scanner arm passes overhead — there is no tunnel, no noise, and no discomfort. Results are reviewed in a consultation that contextualises the numbers within the patient's age, activity level, and health goals. The total appointment runs approximately 30 minutes including preparation and discussion.