DEXA Body Composition Scan
in Central Indiana
Your weight on a scale only tells part of the story. A DEXA Body Composition scan shows exactly what your body is made of: fat, lean muscle, and bone, so you can track real change over time.
What Is a DEXA Body Composition Scan?
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses low-dose X-rays to measure how fat, lean tissue, and bone are distributed throughout your body. Unlike a scale or a tape measure, it doesn't just tell you how much you weigh; it tells you what that weight is made of and where it's located. The result is a detailed, comprehensive report that goes far beyond what a standard BMI calculation can show.
DEXA Body Composition vs. DEXA Bone Density: What's the Difference?
These two exams use similar technology but answer different questions, and it's a common point of confusion.
Standard Bone Density DEXA
Primarily used to assess bone mineral density and screen for conditions like osteoporosis. Typically requires a physician referral.
DEXA Body Composition
Provides a full picture of fat, lean muscle, and bone distribution across your whole body for fitness and wellness purposes. No referral required, and does not require radiologist interpretation.
Looking for osteoporosis screening? Ask your provider about a bone density DEXA scan. Want a detailed look at your fat, muscle, and body composition? A Body Composition scan is the right exam for you.
What Does a DEXA Body Composition Scan Measure?
Total & Regional Body Fat
See your overall body fat percentage and how it's distributed across your arms, legs, and torso.
Visceral Fat
An analysis of fat surrounding your internal organs, linked to metabolic health.
Lean Mass Distribution
Track muscle mass by region to spot imbalances and monitor strength gains.
Bone Mineral Density
Your comprehensive report also includes a bone density measurement.
Why Get a Body Composition Scan?
- ✔ Track changes in fat and lean mass as you work toward your goals
- ✔ See how your body composition changes over time with precise measurements
- ✔ Better understand your body with detailed fat, muscle, and bone data
- ✔ Support fitness and performance goals by tracking muscle and lean tissue changes
Who May Benefit From a DEXA Body Composition Scan
- People working toward weight-loss goals, including those taking GLP-1 medications: see whether the weight you're losing is fat or lean muscle
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts: fine-tune training with precise muscle and fat data
- Anyone monitoring long-term health: get more insight than a scale alone can offer
What to Expect During Your Scan
The scan itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll lie comfortably on an open table while the scanner passes over your body, capturing precise measurements without discomfort.
DEXA Body Composition scans are currently offered at the Northwest Radiology Breast Center in Carmel and are scheduled by phone.
- No referral required
- Self-pay, $170 per scan; not covered by insurance
- FSA/HSA eligible
- Quick and non-invasive
- Comprehensive report sent directly to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Please follow these steps before your DEXA Body Composition scan:
- Wear light, comfortable clothing without any metal or jewelry. Avoid clothing with zippers, snaps, fasteners, belts, or an underwire.
- Be normally hydrated, and empty your bladder and bowels before the scan.
- Do not eat for 4 to 6 hours before the scan.
- Do not exercise vigorously for 4 to 6 hours before the scan.
Why Choose Northwest Radiology
Northwest Radiology has provided trusted imaging services across Central Indiana since 1967. Our DEXA Body Composition scan requires no physician referral and includes a comprehensive report given directly to you.
Ready to See the Full Picture?
DEXA Body Composition scans are scheduled by phone.