DEXA body composition scans in Sandy, Utah.
See beyond the bathroom scale with a detailed view of body fat, lean mass, visceral fat, bone density, and body symmetry.
The most complete picture of what your body is made of.
At Revitalize, we use cutting-edge technology to help determine your goals around fitness, weight loss, longevity, and functional life span. DEXA body composition analysis gives you a detailed baseline and a consistent way to track how your body changes over time.
A quick scan. A detailed view.
Monitoring weight alone does not show how muscle, fat, and bone density are changing. DEXA separates those measurements so you can track what is actually happening.
What a DEXA scan tells you.
Whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain weight, a DEXA scan breaks down total body fat percentage, lean tissue mass, bone health and density, and subcutaneous versus visceral fat mass.
Every metric, explained.
Your report includes a complete breakdown of body composition by region, as well as population comparisons for each metric.
Total body fat percentage
The percent of your body composed of fat. It shifts with both the amount of fat and the amount of lean tissue mass you carry.
Fat mass index (FMI)
Fat relative to height. More accurate than BMI because it calculates only the fat you carry, not total weight.
Android to gynoid ratio
Where fat is stored: around the stomach and mid-section, or around the hips. Ideal values are believed to be less than 0.8 for women and 1.0 for men.
Visceral fat (VAT)
Mass, volume, and area of the fat stored around your organs. A VAT area above 100 cm² has been shown to be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease.
Appendicular lean mass index
Lean mass in the arms and legs relative to height. ALMI is an important indicator of overall health and is strongly correlated with longevity, and we work to keep patients in the top quartile for their age group.
Bone density
How dense your bones are, used to assess risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The Z-score compares you with people of similar age and body size; the T-score compares you with a 30-year-old. Anything higher than -1.0 is considered normal.
Simple prep, consistent results.
A DEXA scan requires very little preparation. A few small details keep your measurements comparable from one scan to the next.
What to wear
Light, comfortable, form-fitting clothing such as gym attire is best. Do not wear metal or jewelry, and choose clothing free of underwires, belts, snaps, fasteners, and zippers. Loose-fitting sweats should also be avoided.
Before you arrive
Skip calcium supplements for 24 hours before testing. Fasting for three hours is recommended while staying hydrated, and avoid vigorous exercise for four to six hours before your scan.
Tell your technician
Let the technician know ahead of time if you have any metal in your body so it can be accounted for in the analysis. Wait seven days after a CT with contrast. If you suspect you could be pregnant, do not get a DEXA scan.
If you are under 18 years of age, pregnant, or unable to stay still for six minutes, you are not eligible for a DEXA scan.
What we measure, and why it matters.
Body fat, also called adipose tissue, is connective tissue distributed throughout the body that helps control metabolism by releasing hormones. Enough fat mass is necessary for vital functions, while excess can be harmful, and where it sits matters as much as how much there is.
What is a normal body fat percentage?
Age and height both influence how many pounds of lean mass and fat a person carries, so we use body fat percentage to make each person's data comparable when assessing whether fat mass is healthy.
National comparison data
DEXA is the only body composition tool that compares your results against a large-scale database of population scans. You will see how your body fat percentage and bone density compare with national averages for people of the same age, gender, and race. Comparisons are based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
How often should you scan?
DEXA scans are accurate, but their real value is precision: the ability to track small and large shifts in body composition over time. How often you test depends on how strict your training and nutrition are.
A baseline scan
Getting a baseline DEXA is worthwhile for any adult regardless of fitness level. The accuracy of the scan is what lets follow-up scans show precise change over time.
Actively changing
If you are beginning a new exercise program, preparing for a race, cutting for a show, or working to improve overall health, we may advise testing every three to six months depending on your training level and timeline.
Maintaining
If your goal is to maintain your current body composition, we advise testing every six or nine months. Always test on the same machine so your scans stay comparable.
DEXA questions, answered.
What is a DEXA body composition analysis?
Body composition measurement with Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry looks beyond weight and BMI to determine body fat distribution. DEXA uses small amounts of radiation to produce a whole picture of the body's fat mass, non-fat mass, and bone mass, including regional results for the arms, legs, android (waist), gynoid (hips), and visceral tissue.
What should I expect during the scan?
A DEXA scan is quick and pain-free. The machine has an open design, so most patients lie comfortably without feeling claustrophobic. You will store metal jewelry and objects in a bin, we measure your height and weight, and then the scan itself takes about six minutes. Afterward you receive a multi-page printout with your measurements, percentages, mass, and images.
How long does a DEXA appointment take?
The appointment is typically 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many questions you have about your results and the ways to improve them.
How much does a DEXA scan cost?
One scan is $75. A two-scan package is $141, and a four-scan package is $241.
Should I eat before the exam?
It is best practice to fast for three hours before your scan for the most accurate results, while still staying hydrated.
How do I read my results?
We review the DEXA body composition analysis with you and send you home with an interpretation sheet covering all of the metrics and what they mean.
How often should I get scanned?
We recommend a DEXA scan every three to six months, depending on your goals and the intensity of your training plan. Many patients purchase a package to track progress over time.
Who should not get a DEXA scan?
If you are under 18 years of age, pregnant, or unable to stay still for six minutes, you are not eligible for a DEXA scan. Otherwise, a baseline scan is worthwhile for adults at any fitness level.
Are there any other restrictions?
Do not consume calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan, and wait seven days after having a CT with contrast.
Getting a baseline scan and regular follow-ups gives you a clear picture of how your body is changing as you get older. We use data-driven recommendations to help you live longer and function better as you age.
801-999-825211075 S State Street, Suite 21, Sandy, UT 84070
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
