When we attend community events to promote the benefits of DEXA scans for body composition and bone health, we often hear two common responses:
“I’ve never heard of a DEXA scan.”
“I’ve already had an InBody scan—why would I need a DEXA?”
Both questions are important—and the answers matter for your long-term health.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
For those unfamiliar, a DEXA scan is the most advanced and clinically validated way to measure both bone health and body composition.
- Bone Health: A DEXA scan can detect osteoporosis and osteopenia long before a fracture occurs. By measuring your T-score and Z-score, your provider can assess fracture risk and even calculate your FRAX score—a 10-year fracture risk probability. This is crucial for prevention and early treatment.
-
Body Composition: Unlike other methods, DEXA identifies visceral fat—the dangerous fat around internal organs that strongly predicts heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. It also measures muscle distribution, lean mass, and total body fat with unparalleled accuracy.
👉 Learn more and find a DEXA provider near you at DEXASCAN.com.
InBody vs. DEXA: What’s the Difference?
While both DEXA scans and InBody scans are non-invasive and quick, the technologies behind them are very different.
|
Feature |
DEXA |
InBody / BIA |
|
Method |
Low-dose X-rays at two energy levels; distinguishes bone, fat, lean tissue |
Sends a weak electrical current; estimates fat, lean mass, and water |
|
Measures |
Bone mineral density, fat %, lean mass, visceral fat, muscle distribution |
Fat %, lean mass, hydration |
|
Bone Health |
Yes—osteoporosis, osteopenia, fracture risk |
No measurement of bone density |
|
Gold Standard? |
Yes—used in research and clinical medicine |
No—widely used in gyms, not in medical settings |
The Accuracy Gap
- DEXA margin of error: ~1–2%
- InBody margin of error: ~3–5% (sometimes more depending on hydration, food intake, or exercise)
-
Direct comparison: In some cases, the difference between DEXA and InBody results can be 10% or more in body fat percentage.
Two of our team members tested both within 20 minutes:
A female, 52 Years Old Femal
- InBody: 12% body fat, no bone density score provided
- DEXA: 22% body fat. Bone density score of -2.0 (Osteopenic)
A second team member, 43 Year Old Male
- InBody: 10% body fat, no bone density score provided
-
DEXA: 16% body fat, low visceral fat and a bone density score of 1.4
That’s a 10% discrepancy—which can completely change your health plan, risk assessment, and goals.
Why DEXA Is the Gold Standard
While InBody can be a convenient tool in gyms to track general trends, it cannot measure bone density or accurately identify visceral fat. DEXA, on the other hand, is trusted by researchers, physicians, and health professionals worldwide because it provides the most precise and actionable data available.
At the end of the day, if you’re serious about longevity, wellness, and prevention, DEXA is the gold standard.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t settle for estimates when it comes to your health. Schedule a DEXA scan today to get the full picture of your bone strength, visceral fat, and body composition.
👉 Find a provider near you at DEXASCAN.com.
For more educational resources:
International Osteoporosis Foundation
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
✨ Know your numbers. Protect your bones. Measure what matters—with DEXA.
