If you’re considering a DEXA scan, one of the most common questions people ask is: How long does it take? The short answer is not long at all! In fact, a DEXA scan is one of the quickest and easiest health assessments you can do.
The scan itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Once you’re positioned on the scanning table, the machine slowly passes over your body, capturing highly detailed data on your body composition, bone density, muscle mass, and visceral fat. There’s no discomfort, no injections, and no enclosed space; you simply lie still and breathe normally.
Including check-in and prep time, most appointments are completed within 20 to 30 minutes total. Prep is minimal: you’ll remove metal items like jewelry or belts, and you’ll be asked to lie flat on the table. There’s no need to fast, change clothes (as long as they’re metal-free), or recover afterward. You can return to your normal routine immediately following the scan.
Compared to other imaging or diagnostic tests, DEXA stands out for its efficiency. Despite its short duration, it delivers gold-standard accuracy for measuring body fat percentage, lean mass distribution, and bone mineral density—information that can be used to guide fitness, nutrition, and longevity strategies.
Because the scan is so quick, many people are surprised by how much insight they gain in such a short amount of time. Whether you’re establishing a health baseline, tracking progress, or optimizing performance, a DEXA scan fits easily into even the busiest schedule.
In less time than it takes to complete a workout—or scroll through your phone—you can gain a clearer, data-driven understanding of your body and health.
Learn more below!
What Is a DEXA Scan and How Does It Work?