Body composition
DEXA Body Composition Scan
A DEXA body composition scan is a precise, ten-minute measurement of what your body is made of — body fat, lean muscle, and visceral fat, reported region by region. It gives you an objective baseline that a scale or BMI cannot, for $250 in Wayne, PA.
What it measures
A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) body composition scan separates your body into distinct compartments and measures each one directly, rather than estimating from weight and height. In a single appointment you get a complete, objective read on your body fat, your lean muscle, and how both are distributed.
Total body fat. Your overall fat mass and body fat percentage — the share of your body made up of fat tissue, measured directly rather than inferred.
Lean muscle mass. The amount of lean (non-fat, non-bone) tissue you carry, reported for your whole body and broken out by region so you can see left-to-right balance across your arms, legs, and trunk.
Visceral fat. An estimate of the fat stored around your abdominal organs, which is more closely associated with metabolic health than fat stored just beneath the skin.
Regional distribution. Because DEXA maps the whole body, your report shows where fat and muscle sit — not just how much you have. That regional view is what makes the scan useful for training, recovery, and long-term tracking.
Bone density is captured in the same scan and is covered in more depth on our bone density testing page.
Accuracy
DEXA is a highly accurate, reproducible method used in clinical and research settings, because it measures tissue directly and does so consistently from one visit to the next. That reproducibility is what makes it valuable for tracking: when you scan again, the differences you see reflect real change rather than the day-to-day noise of a scale.
Methods like bioelectrical impedance (the technology in smart scales and handheld devices) estimate body composition indirectly and can be influenced by hydration, meals, and time of day. DEXA is far less sensitive to these factors, which is why it is used in clinical and sports-science research.
To keep your own results comparable over time, it helps to scan under similar conditions each visit. We will walk you through simple ways to do that so your baseline stays meaningful.
The scan and pricing
The scan
A complete picture of your body composition
- About ten minutes, lying comfortably on a padded table while the scanner passes over you.
- No fasting, no needles, no discomfort.
- A clear, easy-to-read report explaining your results.
Pricing
$250
Single scan
One flat price. No memberships, no hidden fees. Reserve your time online — a card is required to book.
What to expect
The visit is quiet and straightforward. Plan for around twenty to thirty minutes in total, though the scan itself takes only about ten.
Before. There is no fasting and very little preparation. Wear comfortable clothing without metal — zippers, underwire, and large buttons are best avoided. If you are or might be pregnant, the scan should be rescheduled, as radiation exposure is avoided as a precaution.
During. You lie still on a padded table while a low-dose dual-energy X-ray scanner passes over you. There are no needles, no enclosed spaces, and nothing to feel. The dose is very low.
After. You receive a clear, readable report of your results and the chance to talk through what each number means, in plain language and without pressure or judgment. If you scan again later, results can be compared side by side so you can see exactly what has changed.
Wayne DEXA is a physician-founded, direct-access clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania, easy to reach from Radnor, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, and the wider Philadelphia Main Line. Booking is online, with no referral or insurance required.
Common questions
What does a DEXA body composition scan measure?
A DEXA body composition scan measures total and regional body fat, lean muscle mass, visceral (abdominal) fat, and bone density. It reports your body fat percentage and shows how fat and muscle are distributed across your arms, legs, and trunk.
How accurate is a DEXA body composition scan?
DEXA is a highly accurate, reproducible method used in clinical and research settings, which is why it is well suited to tracking change over time.
How is a DEXA scan different from a smart scale or BMI?
A scale gives weight and a bioelectrical-impedance estimate; BMI is only weight relative to height. Neither separates fat from muscle or shows where fat is stored. DEXA measures these directly, so it gives a far more complete and consistent picture.
Do I need a referral, and how much does it cost?
No referral is needed. A complete DEXA body composition scan is $250, flat and cash-pay, with no insurance process or hidden facility fees.
How should I prepare for the scan?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal — avoid zippers, underwire, and large metal buttons. No fasting is required. If you are or might be pregnant, the scan should be rescheduled.
How often should I repeat a body composition scan?
You can rescan as often as you like. If you're tracking something specific, somewhere between every three to four months and once a year is reasonable — your report includes a recommendation based on your results.
A complete DEXA body composition scan is $250 — flat, with no referral or insurance needed. Reserve a time online; a card is required to book.
Schedule your scan