Why the DEXA Scan is the Gold Standard for Measuring Body Composition

Are you constantly frustrated with the number on the scale or fluctuations in body weight on a daily basis? If so, it is time to ditch the bathroom scale. Instead, focus on changes to your body composition measurements instead. Enter the DEXA Scan.

The DEXA, or Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan, is the gold-standard body composition measurement per research. The DEXA scan will provide you with the most accurate assessment of your body weight distribution compared to other testing methods. It has a very low error rate of approximately 1-2% compared to other testing methods such as using body fat calipers, the BodPod machine, or InBody technology which have been shown to overestimate by anywhere from 6-15%.

More important than body weight, the DEXA machine shows how that weight is distributed on your body at this point in time. For example, the other objective data collected from the DEXA scan includes your:

Body fat percentage
Body fat pounds
Lean tissue pounds (aka muscle mass)
Android vs. Gynoid distribution (aka waist-to-hip ratio)
Visceral fat (aka harmful fat that covers your organs)
Bone density
Muscular imbalances

and more!

You see, body weight is just one objective way of measuring progress, however, it is not the only way. Two individuals can be the exact same weight but have a completely different body composition (i.e. bodybuilder vs. marathon runner).

Measuring body composition instead of body weight allows you to assess whether or not you’ve gained or lost lean muscle tissue as opposed to body fat over time. It also helps you understand if your current nutrition and exercises programs are working, or need to be adjusted to reach your aesthetic, performance or longevity goals.

It is also important to note that body weight is expected to fluctuate on a daily basis due to various biological and dietary influences including

Genetics
Hormones
Sodium intake and potassium balance
Hydration status
Exercise
Bowel regularity
Sleep
Stress and more!

This is why the number on the scale is often unreliable.

Gaining lean muscle tissue is actually beneficial for body composition since muscle is our metabolically active tissue, whereas gaining body fat is detrimental to body composition and puts at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or fatty liver in the future.

At Prefusion Health, we use the baseline data that is collected from the DEXA scan and metabolism test to create a more personalized diet and exercise program for our clients. This way, we take the guesswork out of it and create a clear path for our clients to achieve their desired body composition, performance and/or longevity goals. We recommend follow up testing every three months on average to allow time for education, program implementation and ultimately, measurable changes in body composition.

If you are interested in body composition and metabolism testing that includes a clear path to achieve your goals, then visit our website for more information and schedule a complimentary call today!

Written by Sara De Luca, RD, CDN, CPT

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Understanding DEXA Scans: The Foundation of Smarter Health, Longevity, and Performance Most people check on their health using things like a scale, a smartwatch, or how their clothing fits. These tools can be useful, but they only show a small piece of the bigger picture. They don’t reveal how much muscle you actually have, how much fat you’re carrying, or where the risks might be hiding. A DEXA scan changes all of that. At DexaFit New York, DEXA scans are the starting point for anyone serious about improving body composition, performance, or long-term health. Whether you're an athlete trying to refine your training or someone looking to take control of your health again, a DEXA scan gives you clarity that traditional tools simply can’t. What a DEXA Scan Actually Measures A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) scan is a medical-grade body composition test that takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. In one appointment, you receive detailed insight into: • Total body fat percentage • Lean muscle mass and how it's distributed • Visceral fat (the deeper fat around your organs) • Bone density • Muscle imbalances from left to right • Android/gynoid fat distribution patterns Unlike gym devices or smart scales that provide estimates, a DEXA scan measures your body with the highest available accuracy. This is why athletes, physicians, and performance facilities rely on it as the gold standard. If you’re searching terms like DEXA scan New York , this is exactly the type of advanced body composition analysis you’re looking for. Why DEXA Matters More Than the Scale A scale can tell you your weight; but it can’t tell you what your weight is made of. Two people can weigh exactly the same and have completely different levels of health. One might have: • Higher lean muscle • Low visceral fat • Strong bone density • A healthy metabolic profile While the other has: • Lower muscle mass • High visceral fat risk • Weaker bone density • A higher likelihood of metabolic issues From the outside, they may look similar. Internally, their bodies are in completely different states. This is why relying on weight alone is misleading. A DEXA scan provides the information needed to make smarter decisions about training, nutrition, and lifestyle. For Athletes: Precision That Elevates Performance Athletes use DEXA scans as a tool to refine every aspect of their performance. Knowing exactly how much lean mass they’ve gained, whether imbalances exist, or how their power-to-weight ratio is shifting throughout the year helps them train with intention. It’s one of the most effective ways to track improvements in body composition over time; especially in sports where strength, endurance, and efficiency matter.