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FAQ
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses two low-dose X-ray beams to measure your body composition with clinical-grade precision. The scan takes about 7 minutes and provides a detailed breakdown of fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density across every region of your body. It’s considered the gold standard for body composition analysis.
DEXA is accurate to within 1–2% for body fat measurement, making it significantly more reliable than bioelectrical impedance scales (4–8% margin), calipers (3–5% margin), or visual estimates. It’s the only widely available method that provides regional body composition data — showing exactly where fat and muscle are distributed.
For the most consistent results: stay well-hydrated but avoid eating a large meal 2–3 hours before your scan, avoid intense exercise the morning of your appointment, wear lightweight clothing without metal (zippers, underwire), and remove jewelry. If you’re tracking changes over multiple scans, try to scan at the same time of day under similar conditions.
We recommend scanning every 8–12 weeks if you’re actively training or dieting. This gives your body enough time to show measurable changes in fat and lean mass. For general health monitoring, 2–3 scans per year is a solid cadence. Athletes in competition prep may benefit from more frequent scans during peaking phases.
Yes. A DEXA scan exposes you to roughly 0.001 mSv of radiation — about 1/10th of a chest X-ray and less than you’d receive during a cross-country flight. It’s one of the lowest-radiation imaging methods available and is considered safe for regular use.
VAT (Visceral Adipose Tissue) measures the fat surrounding your internal organs. It’s one of the strongest predictors of metabolic health risk. A VAT area under 100 cm² is generally considered healthy. Your DEXA report shows your exact VAT volume, which is far more precise than waist circumference or BMI for assessing this risk.
InBody and smart scales use bioelectrical impedance (BIA), which sends a small electrical current through your body and estimates composition based on resistance. BIA accuracy can swing 4–8% depending on hydration, meal timing, and even skin temperature. DEXA uses X-ray technology and is accurate to 1–2%, plus it gives you a full regional breakdown — left vs. right, arms, legs, trunk — that BIA simply can’t provide.
We have two locations: Vancouver at 316 Carrall Street, BC V6B 2J3 (778-222-8862) and Toronto at 100 Western Battery Road, Ontario M6K 3S2 (437-561-0299). We also offer mobile DEXA testing for gyms, sports teams, and corporate wellness programs.
