The Biograph Method

May 4, 2026

What is a DEXA scan and what can it reveal?

Beyond Symptoms:
Elevating Women's Health Through Proactive Longevity

What is a DEXA scan and what can it reveal?

A DEXA scan is an advanced imaging test that measures body composition and bone density. It can reveal how much of your body is fat, lean mass, and bone, offering insights that a scale alone cannot.

A DEXA scan is an advanced imaging test that measures body composition and bone density. It can reveal how much of your body is fat, lean mass, and bone, offering insights that a scale alone cannot.

Written by

Written by Dr. Michael Doney, MD, MPH, MS

The Biograph Editorial Team

Executive Medical Director

Abstract blue fluid waves symbolizing advanced medical imaging for body composition and bone density analysis in a DEXA scan.

Published

May 4, 2026

Last medically reviewed

May 4, 2026

Summarize this article

What does a DEXA scan measure?

A DEXA scan provides a detailed breakdown of body composition, including body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density. It can also help identify the presence and amount of visceral fat, which is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk.

This creates a more complete picture of health, fitness, and aging.

Why is a DEXA scan better than a scale?

Body weight alone can be misleading. Two people can weigh the same but have very different levels of muscle mass and visceral fat, with important implications for metabolic health.

A DEXA scan goes beyond total weight to show the amounts of muscle and fat in the body and where it is located.

How can a DEXA scan improve health decisions?

A DEXA Scan paints a clear picture of your body composition as a whole. When you understand your body composition, you can make more informed choices about nutrition, exercise, and long-term health goals.

How Biograph uses a DEXA scan

At Biograph, the DEXA Scan is integrated into a broader preventive health program. The DEXA results are combined with clinical evaluation and other advanced diagnostics to build a complete picture of health, body composition, and risk over time.

Who would benefit from a DEXA scan?

These insights can be a valuable tool for those focused on prevention, performance, or long-term health, including individuals who are interested in:

Longevity and preventive health

Longevity and preventive health

Optimizing body composition

Optimizing body composition

Tracking fitness or weight-loss progress

Tracking fitness or weight-loss progress

Bone density and healthy aging

Bone density and healthy aging

Data beyond the scale

Data beyond the scale

Know more than your weight. Measure what matters.

Blood panel testing overview showing key biomarkers like CBC, CMP, and lipid panel for preventive health and longevity

See beyond the scale

Learn more about your body composition at Biograph.

Blood panel testing overview showing key biomarkers like CBC, CMP, and lipid panel for preventive health and longevity
Blood panel testing overview showing key biomarkers like CBC, CMP, and lipid panel for preventive health and longevity

See beyond the scale

Learn more about your body composition at Biograph.

Blood panel testing overview showing key biomarkers like CBC, CMP, and lipid panel for preventive health and longevity