Dexa Scan

What to Expect

There’s very little you need to do before your appointment. You can eat, drink and take your regular medication as usual. To keep things simple, wear comfortable clothes without zips, buckles or buttons, as metal can interfere with the images created by the scan.

Your DEXA scan is quick, simple and painless. The test usually takes around 20 minutes. You’ll be asked to lie on a padded table while the scanner moves slowly over the area being checked.

The scanner is open and quiet, so you won’t feel enclosed or uncomfortable. Throughout the scan, your radiographer will stay with you, explaining each step and making sure you feel at ease.

Your results are usually ready within 24 hours.

DEXA Body Composition

At Dr Martin Private General Practitioners, we understand that number on the scales is a very ambiguous measure to show what really goes on in the body. Whilst it may be a good reference to show changes over time, it is vague to estimate the health status or risk.

To break down the number on the scales to compartments, we see fat tissue, muscle tissue and bones. You can have two individuals who are same gender, age, the exact same height and weight, yet visually their bodies may look completely different, and this is due to the differences in aforementioned compartments.

Ideally, we would like to have higher muscle mass, lower fat mass and denser bones for better health outcomes. Although, it is important to note that there are differences in gender and ethnicity regarding of how much fat mass one should have, as some fat is essential for bodily functions. Age may also play a role in levels and distribution of the fat mass. Hence, it is important to use accurate measures to determine the levels and distribution.

There are scales on the market that send safe, low-level electrical current through the body, and depending on the types of tissue, measure the resistance the tissues present. This is called bioimpedance analysis, which is readily available on the market, but has limitations. Certain medical conditions, hydration levels, recent exercise, food intake etc. may influence the accuracy of the results, which is why we prefer to use Dual Energy (DEXA) body composition scans as our gold standard test.

DEXA uses low-dose x-rays to provide accurate measurement of body composition and bone mineral density. When comparing to other devices, which may be useful for tracking changes over time, DEXA is able to give an accurate presentation at baseline but can also be used to track changes over time. What makes it stand out is its ability to measure bone mineral density, show accurate levels of visceral fat (fat around the organs) and where the muscle and fat are in the body. This level of detail is not only necessary from the aesthetic side, but also from long-term health management, since all the latter are diagnostic tools for assessing metabolic risk, osteoporosis and long-term health span. Early assessment allows timely intervention to lower the risk of chronic disease and frailty.

Apart from risk assessment, DEXA is great for those who are looking to take their health to the next level. By providing thorough view of the body, it allows individuals to assess the true efficacy of their interventions—ensuring that a new diet is burning fat rather than wasting muscle, or that a strength training program is successfully building bone density. This data-driven approach establishes precise strategy for peak performance and lifelong vitality.

DEXA Body Composition

Why the Scales Don’t Tell the Full Story

At Dr Martin Private General Practitioners, we know that weight alone is misleading.

The number on the scales:

• Shows change over time

• But does not reflect true health or risk

Your body weight is made up of:

• Fat

• Muscle

• Bone

Two people can be the same height, weight, age, and gender — yet look completely different.
The reason is body composition, not weight.

What Healthy Body Composition Looks Like

For long-term health, the goal is:

• Higher muscle mass

• Lower excess fat

• Strong, dense bones

However:

• Some body fat is essential for normal bodily function

• Healthy fat levels vary by gender and ethnicity

• Fat distribution changes with age

This is why accurate measurement matters.

Why Standard Body Fat Scales Fall Short

Many consumer scales use bioimpedance analysis (BIA).

They estimate body composition using a low electrical current.
While convenient, results can be affected by:

• Hydration levels

• Recent exercise

• Food intake

• Medical conditions

This can lead to inconsistent and unreliable results.

Why We Use DEXA Scanning

DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is our gold-standard assessment.

It uses low-dose X-rays to accurately measure:

• Body fat percentage

• Lean muscle mass

• Bone mineral density

DEXA also shows:

• Where fat is stored in the body

• Levels of visceral (organ) fat

• Muscle balance and distribution

This level of accuracy is not possible with standard scales.

Understanding Health Risks Early

DEXA provides clinically valuable insights, including risk assessment for:

• Metabolic disease

• Cardiovascular risk

• Osteoporosis

• Frailty and muscle loss with age

Early detection allows early intervention, helping reduce long-term health risks.

More Than Risk — Optimising Your Health

DEXA is also ideal for those wanting to optimise performance and wellbeing.

It helps you:

• Confirm fat loss without muscle loss

• Track muscle gain from strength training

• Monitor improvements in bone density

• Measure progress accurately over time

This data-driven approach ensures your efforts are working effectively.

A Smarter Way to Measure Health

DEXA moves beyond weight alone.
It provides clarity, precision, and actionable insight — supporting better health now and in the future.

What Patients are saying…