What you need to know
DEXA Scan Services
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a powerful tool to measure your body’s composition, including fat, muscle, and bone. It gives a clear, accurate picture of what’s really going on inside your body – not just your weight. If you’re curious about how much fat or muscle you have or how strong your bones are, a DEXA scan is the best way to find out. Book your scan today (subject to location availability).
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How does a DEXA scan work?
It’s super simple! You just lie on a bed while a machine scans your body. Don’t worry, it’s quick and painless. The scan uses low-level X-rays to analyse what makes up your body weight. It doesn’t hurt, and the whole process takes less than 15 minutes.
We’ve partnered with Scan to improve access to DEXA scans, with a nationwide network of over 150 scanning centres to choose from.
Why get a DEXA scan?
This is super important for understanding if you’re losing fat or muscle and helps you stay on track with your goals. If you’re trying to lose weight, stay healthy, or just understand your body better, a DEXA scan can help. It goes beyond just showing you how much you weigh – it reveals how much of your weight comes from fat, muscle, and bone. This is super important for understanding if you’re losing fat or muscle and helps you stay on track with your goals.
Precise measurements. Get accurate fat and muscle measurements to guide your health journey.
Track progress. Monitor your body composition changes even if the scale doesn’t move, which is especially helpful during a weight loss plateau.
Bone health. Check your bone density to keep your bones strong and healthy, which is particularly important for weight loss for women over 40 and during menopause.
Low radiation. Enjoy a low radiation dose compared to CT scans for safer monitoring.
Who should get a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is perfect for anyone who wants to get a clearer picture of their health. Whether you’re overweight and working on fat loss, or just curious about your bone strength, this scan can give you a full breakdown. Even if you don’t go to the gym, a DEXA scan will help you understand if you’re losing weight in a healthy way.
For Weight Loss Patients
If you are taking weight loss injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, or prescription weight loss medication like Orlistat, a DEXA scan can help you monitor whether you are losing fat while preserving muscle mass. This is particularly important for those following a protein diet schedule or high protein weight loss plan.
For Fitness Enthusiasts
If you follow routines for the gym to lose weight or a weight loss regime in gym, a DEXA scan provides valuable data to track your progress. It can show you if your strength training weight loss efforts are building muscle while reducing fat.
For Women Over 40
Women over 40 may experience changes in body composition due to menopause. A DEXA scan can help monitor bone density and muscle mass, which are important considerations during this stage of life. This is particularly relevant for those exploring menopause weight loss strategies.
For Those Preparing for Surgery
If you are preparing for weight loss surgery uk, a DEXA scan can provide a baseline measurement of your body composition. This helps your medical team track your progress and ensure you are losing weight safely.
What to expect from your DEXA scan
Preparation. There’s no special preparation. Just wear comfy clothes!
The scan. Lie down on a soft bed, and in 10-15 minutes, you’ll get detailed results about your body.
Results. You’ll get a report showing your body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. It’s like looking under the hood to see how healthy you really are.
Interested in getting a DEXA scan?
Book your scan today for accurate body composition analysis.
Why a DEXA scan is better than BMI
Most people know about BMI (Body Mass Index), but it’s not always accurate because it only considers weight and height. BMI can’t tell the difference between muscle, fat, and bone, but a DEXA scan does! So, if you want the real story about your body’s health, getting a DEXA scan is the way to go.
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Frequently Asked Questions About DEXA Scans
Answered by our experienced medical team.
What is a DEXA scan used for?
A DEXA scan measures your body composition, including fat, muscle, and bone density. It provides accurate data to help you understand your health, track weight loss progress, and monitor bone strength. It is more accurate than BMI for assessing body composition.
How much does a DEXA scan cost?
Private DEXA scans in the UK typically cost between £50 and £150, depending on the provider and location. Some clinics offer package deals for multiple scans to track progress over time. At our clinic, we offer competitive pricing with access to over 150 scanning centres nationwide.
Do I need a referral for a DEXA scan?
No, you do not need a GP referral to book a private DEXA scan. You can book directly with our service. However, if you are having a DEXA scan for medical reasons, your GP may refer you through the NHS.
How long does a DEXA scan take?
The scan itself takes only 10 to 15 minutes. You will lie on a soft bed while the machine scans your body. The entire appointment, including preparation and results discussion, usually takes around 30 minutes.
Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes, a DEXA scan is safe. It uses a very low dose of radiation, much lower than a CT scan. It is considered one of the safest ways to measure body composition and bone density. There is no need for contrast dyes or injections.
How accurate is a DEXA scan?
DEXA scans are highly accurate and are considered the gold standard for measuring body composition. They can distinguish between fat, muscle, and bone, providing detailed information that BMI cannot. This makes them invaluable for tracking weight loss progress.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For tracking weight loss progress, we typically recommend a DEXA scan every three to six months. This allows enough time for meaningful changes in body composition to occur while providing regular feedback to keep you motivated. Your healthcare provider can advise on the best schedule for your needs.
Can a DEXA scan help with my weight loss plan?
Yes. A DEXA scan provides valuable data that can help refine your customised weight loss plan. It shows whether you are losing fat or muscle, which can inform adjustments to your diet and exercise routine. Your dietician or physiotherapist can use this information to optimise your weight management programme.