Preparing for Your First DEXA Appointment

Everything you need to know before your first scan, from what to wear to what to expect during the process.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you've never had a DEXA body composition scan before, you may be wondering what to expect. The good news: the process is simple, fast, and completely painless. A typical appointment takes 20 to 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your results — with the scan itself lasting only 10 to 15 minutes.

You'll lie flat on a padded table while a mechanical arm slowly passes over your body from head to toe. The equipment generates a very low dose of X-ray radiation — roughly equivalent to the exposure you'd receive during two hours of flight at altitude, or about 1/30th of a standard chest X-ray. You remain fully clothed throughout the scan.

What to Wear

Comfortable, non-bulky athletic or casual clothing works best. The primary rule is to avoid metal — underwire bras, belt buckles, metal buttons, zippers, and jewelry all need to be removed before the scan. Metal objects interfere with the X-ray signals and can compromise measurement accuracy.

Opt for workout leggings or sweatpants, a cotton t-shirt, and sports bra without underwire. Avoid thick padded clothing or anything with foam inserts. If you're unsure, you'll have the opportunity to change before the scan. Many clients find it simplest to wear their gym clothes.

What Not to Do Before Your Scan

For maximum measurement accuracy — and especially if you're planning to compare results across multiple scans — consistency matters. Try to schedule your scans at the same time of day, under the same conditions.

Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before your scan. Intense training causes temporary fluid shifts in muscle tissue that can modestly affect lean mass readings. Similarly, avoid a large meal within 3 to 4 hours of your appointment. Normal hydration is fine and preferred — do not intentionally dehydrate before scanning. If you take calcium supplements, avoid them for 24 hours before a bone density scan.

Do I Need a Doctor's Referral?

For a body composition DEXA scan, no referral is required. You can book directly online and come in at your convenience. We welcome self-referred clients alongside physician referrals.

For a bone density scan that you intend to submit to insurance for reimbursement, you may need a physician referral and a documented clinical indication (such as being postmenopausal, having a history of fractures, or being at elevated risk for osteoporosis). Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage before scheduling.

Understanding Your Results

After your scan, you'll receive a detailed report — either immediately or within 24 hours, depending on the clinic. The report will include your body fat percentage, regional lean mass measurements, visceral adipose tissue score, and bone mineral density with T-scores and Z-scores.

A staff member will walk you through the key findings and answer your questions. We recommend bringing any questions you have about your health history or goals to this conversation — the more context you provide, the more useful the interpretation will be. You'll also receive a digital copy of your report to share with your physician or health coach.

Making the Most of Your First Scan

Think of your first DEXA scan as establishing a precise baseline. Whatever the numbers show, this snapshot of your body composition is the starting point for measuring progress. There's no good or bad first result — only an accurate picture of where you are right now.

If possible, take note of your current diet, training volume, and sleep habits around the time of your scan. This context will make it much easier to interpret changes when you return for your next scan in 3 to 6 months. Clients who treat DEXA scanning as a regular part of their health monitoring routine consistently report that the data keeps them on track and objectively accountable.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. DEXA scan results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.