Getting a DEXA scan has become increasingly popular as more people focus on healthy aging and understanding their health beyond the number on the scale. Wellness influencers often talk about DEXA scans as a way to measure body fat, monitor muscle mass and optimize your wellness.
But while DEXA scans have been drawing new interest lately, they're not new. In fact, healthcare providers have relied on them for decades as the gold standard for measuring bone density and screening for osteoporosis.
So, what is a DEXA scan, and is it something you should consider? Here's what this test measures, who it's recommended for and how it can help you better understand your health.
A DEXA scan, short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a quick, noninvasive imaging test that measures bone mineral density. It's most commonly used to assess bone strength and identify osteoporosis or osteopenia, a condition where bone density is lower than normal but not yet osteoporosis.
Some DEXA scans, also called DXA scans, can also measure body composition, including body fat percentage, lean muscle mass and fat distribution. That's one reason they've become increasingly popular among people interested in fitness, healthy aging and getting a more complete picture of their health.
However, the test's primary medical purpose is still evaluating bone health.
Because osteoporosis often develops without symptoms until a fracture occurs, a DEXA scan can detect changes in bone density early, when treatment or lifestyle changes may help protect your bones.
So, how does a DEXA scan work? A DEXA scan uses two very low-dose X-ray beams to measure how much calcium and other minerals are present in your bones. The test is painless, does not require needles or injections, and typically takes about 10-30 minutes.
Here’s what to expect if you decide to get a DEXA scan. During the scan, you'll lie still on a padded table while a scanning arm moves slowly over your body. Depending on why your provider ordered the test, the scan may focus on areas most vulnerable to fractures, such as your hip and lower spine, or it may include a whole-body body composition assessment.
Unlike many imaging tests, a DEXA scan exposes you to only a very small amount of radiation—less than many other types of X-rays.
After the scan, a radiologist reviews the images and measurements. Your healthcare provider will explain your results and discuss whether any follow-up testing, treatment or lifestyle changes are recommended.
While DEXA scans are best known for measuring bone density, they can reveal much more. Here's what the test can—and can't—tell you about your health.
The most common reason healthcare providers order a DEXA scan is to evaluate bone density and estimate your risk for fractures.
Your bone density DEXA scan results include scores that compare your bone density with healthy adults and with other people your age. These scores help determine whether your bone density is normal, lower than expected or in the osteoporosis range.
Understanding your bone health can help you and your doctor take steps to reduce your risk of fractures before one happens. Depending on your results, recommendations may include strength training, weight-bearing exercise, improving calcium and vitamin D intake, reducing fall risk or medications to help strengthen bones.
Although bone density remains the primary reason for a DEXA scan, many people are also interested in the body composition information it can provide. Keep in mind that a bone density DEXA scan does not include a body composition assessment. You’ll need a body composition DEXA scan for that.
Unlike a traditional scale, which only measures body weight, or BMI, which estimates body size based on height and weight, a body composition DEXA scan provides a more detailed picture of what makes up your weight. Depending on the type of scan, it may measure:
These measurements can be useful for people working toward fitness goals, recovering from illness, monitoring age-related muscle loss or tracking changes over time. They may also be helpful for people taking weight loss medications to monitor bone density and body composition changes.
Still, body composition is only one piece of your overall health. It's most helpful when considered alongside factors such as your medical history, physical activity, nutrition, lab work and other health measures.
As helpful as a DEXA scan can be, it’s important to remember that a single test can’t provide a complete picture of your health.
A DEXA scan cannot diagnose most medical conditions, measure your cardiovascular fitness or determine your metabolic health. It also doesn't replace regular preventive care, routine screenings or conversations with your care team.
If you're using a DEXA scan to track body composition, it's also important to avoid focusing too heavily on a single number. Small changes in body fat percentage or muscle mass don't necessarily reflect meaningful changes in your overall health.
Think of a DEXA scan as one tool that can provide valuable information when interpreted in the context of your overall health.
So, knowing all this, should you get a DEXA scan? Whether you should get a DEXA scan depends on your age, health history and personal risk factors.
Many adults should have a bone density test as they get older, particularly women age 65 and older and men age 70 and older. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a DEXA scan earlier if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as:
If you're interested in a DEXA scan primarily for body composition, talk with your healthcare provider about whether it's appropriate for your goals.
While these measurements can provide useful information, they're not necessary for everyone, and there may be other ways to monitor your progress depending on your health and fitness goals. It’s also important to note that body composition DEXA scans are typically not covered by insurance.
The most important takeaway is that a DEXA scan isn't just another wellness trend. It's a well-established medical test that plays an important role in preventing fractures and supporting healthy aging.
For some people, the additional body composition information can offer helpful insight, but it's the bone health assessment that remains the foundation of the test.
If you're wondering whether a DEXA scan is right for you, start by talking with your primary care provider. Together, you can determine whether the test fits your health needs and whether the information it provides could help guide your next steps.
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