If you’re working toward weight loss, fitness goals or better metabolic health, the number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. A DXA body scan can tell you a lot more about your body.
A DXA body composition scan goes beyond weight and BMI (body mass index) to give you valuable and highly accurate information about your health. The test is quick, painless and you get your results before you leave the imaging center. Keep reading to learn more about these scans and find a location near you.
A DXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry) scan is a type of imaging test. It measures body fat, muscle mass, fat around your organs (called visceral fat) and bone density.
The DXA machine is a table with an arm that hovers over the person lying down. The arm slowly passes two low-intensity X-ray beams over the body or a specific area. The open design helps you feel comfortable and not trapped.
Both tests use DXA technology but they have different purposes:
If you're interested in weight management, fitness tracking or understanding metabolic health, the body composition scan is the best choice. For information about bone health, visit our DXA bone scan page.
A DXA body composition scan goes beyond the number on a scale. In the past, people used BMI (body mass index) to estimate body fat but it’s not very accurate. Unlike BMI or smart scales, a DXA scan provides precise, consistent results that aren’t affected by hydration, food or exercise timing, helping you make smarter, more informed health decisions.
With a DXA scan, you can:
A DXA scan can also help you achieve medical and fitness objectives by allowing you to:
A DXA scan can benefit a broad range of individuals. It may be helpful if you:
Regular scans can help you see what’s really changing in your body beyond the scale.
DXA scans are usually performed at an imaging center. The imaging area is open and non-claustrophobic, so you won’t feel confined. There are no needles or injections and you can resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.
Your DXA body composition scan is quick and painless. The test typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you lie comfortably on your back during the scan. A technician or radiologic technologist will position you and pass a scanning arm over you to capture images.
You will get your results before you leave the imaging center. This will give you immediate insight into your body fat, muscle and visceral fat. These results can help guide your weight, fitness or medical plan. Your provider can also go over the results with you and make changes to help you reach your health goals.
A referral from a health care provider is needed for a DXA scan. This helps ensure your results are part of a coordinated care plan.
Referrals may come from:
DXA body composition scans are not typically covered by insurance. Contact Banner Imaging for specific pricing or payment questions.
Banner Health offers convenient locations across the Phoenix area, along with fast appointments and same-day results. Our advanced DXA technology delivers accurate, consistent measurements, helping you track body fat, lean muscle and metabolic health effectively.
With integrated care across bariatrics, primary care and specialty services, our team ensures your scan is comfortable, quick and informative.
Find a Banner Imaging location near me.
Yes. It uses a very low level of radiation and is safe for most people.
DXA directly measures fat, muscle and bone, while BMI and scales only estimate total body weight.
Many people repeat scans every few months to track changes during weight loss, fitness programs or medical treatments. Talk to your health care provider about repeat scans.
Yes. They show whether weight loss is coming from fat, muscle or both. This information helps your health care provider adjust your plan.
Whatever your need, your doctor can refer you to one of our conveniently located free-standing imaging centers or one of our hospitals.
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