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What to Expect From a DEXA Scan: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  • mladen452
  • Jul 4
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 9

If you’re considering getting a DEXA scan, you might be wondering what actually happens during the appointment. Whether your goal is to track your body fat percentage, measure lean muscle, or monitor long-term health changes, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect — step by step.


dexa scan body composition scan

What is a DEXA Scan?


So, what to expect from a DEXA scan? A DEXA scan (short for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the most accurate method to measure your body composition. It gives a detailed breakdown of:


  • Body fat percentage

  • Muscle mass

  • Bone density

  • Fat distribution (e.g. around the abdomen)

  • Visceral fat levels


Unlike basic bathroom scales or fitness trackers, a DEXA scan shows you what’s happening inside your body, so you can make informed decisions about your health and fitness.



Step-by-Step: What to Expect From Your DEXA Scan


1. Booking Your Appointment


You can easily book online via our website or click here to make a booking.


👉 Tip: Book your scan for the morning if you want the most consistent results across repeat scans.


2. Preparing for Your Scan


  • Wear light, comfortable clothing without metal (zips, buttons, clips).

  • Avoid food and heavy fluids for 2-3 hours beforehand.

  • No exercise on the day of your scan — working out can shift fluids and affect results slightly.


3. Arriving at the Clinic


When you arrive at Precision Body Lab, we’ll greet you, confirm your details, and walk you through what will happen. There’s no paperwork or long waiting times. Click here to find your way to our clinic.


4. The Scan Itself


  • You’ll lie down fully clothed on the DEXA scanner bed.

  • The scanner arm slowly passes over your body — no noise, no pain.

  • The scan takes around 5–7 minutes.

  • You’ll need to stay still, but you can breathe normally.



✅ It’s completely safe — the radiation dose is extremely low (50x less than one day worth of natural background radiation!).


5. Review Your Results


Immediately after the scan, we’ll go through your results together. You’ll receive a detailed but easy-to-read report that shows:


  • Total body fat % and lean mass

  • Muscle mass in arms, legs, and trunk

  • Visceral fat level (a key marker for metabolic health)

  • Bone density

  • Android/Gynoid % fat ratio


We’ll explain what everything means and answer any questions you have.


6. Tracking Over Time


Many of our clients return every 8–12 weeks to track changes and optimise their progress. Follow-up scans are quicker and cheaper — and very important to track so you can see how you're performing against your fitness goals.



Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?


DEXA scans are ideal for:


  • Gym-goers and athletes tracking muscle growth or fat loss

  • Anyone on a fitness, weight loss or body transformation journey

  • People wanting to monitor bone health

  • Health-conscious individuals wanting a full-body snapshot


Are you interested in getting a DEXA scan? Click the button below to book.



 
 
 

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