DEXA Scan
Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
The gold standard for measuring body composition, bone mineral density, and visceral fat. DEXA provides precise, reproducible data on lean mass, fat mass, and bone health — making it essential for tracking longevity, fitness progress, and metabolic risk.
How DEXA Scan Works
DEXA uses two low-dose X-ray beams at different energy levels to differentiate between bone mineral, lean tissue, and fat tissue. The differential absorption of the two beams allows precise quantification of each tissue type throughout the body, producing a detailed regional breakdown of body composition.
📊 Evidence by Outcome
Gold standard for measuring lean muscle mass, total body fat percentage, and regional fat distribution. Accuracy within 1-2% makes it the most reliable non-invasive body composition tool available.
80 studies • Consistency: High • Effect: Large
Primary clinical tool for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis. WHO-endorsed T-score system enables standardized risk assessment and treatment monitoring.
60 studies • Consistency: High • Effect: Large
Accurately measures visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the metabolically dangerous fat surrounding organs. Critical biomarker for cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.
35 studies • Consistency: High • Effect: Large
Serial DEXA scans every 6-12 months allow precise tracking of muscle gain, fat loss, and bone health trends — key metrics for longevity optimization and training program evaluation.
25 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Key Research
Peer-Reviewed Evidence • 3 Citations
Precision of DEXA for body composition measurement: a systematic review
Toombs RJ et al.•International Journal of Obesity•2012•PMID: 21487396
Key Finding: DEXA demonstrated coefficient of variation <2% for total body fat and lean mass, confirming it as the most precise non-invasive body composition method.
View on PubMedDEXA-measured visceral fat as a predictor of cardiometabolic risk
Kaul S et al.•Obesity•2012•PMID: 22006793
Key Finding: DEXA visceral fat measurement correlated strongly with CT-measured visceral fat (r=0.93) and predicted metabolic syndrome independent of BMI.
View on PubMedBone mineral density measurement and osteoporosis treatment guidelines
WHO Scientific Group•WHO Technical Report Series•2003
Key Finding: Established DEXA as the gold standard for bone mineral density assessment and the basis for WHO osteoporosis diagnostic criteria (T-score ≤ -2.5).
Citations sourced from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and peer-reviewed journals. Study findings are summarized for accessibility. Always consult the original publication for full methodology and results.
Side Effects & Safety
Interactions & Contraindications
Drug Interactions
- •Recent barium or contrast dye may affect accuracy (wait 7 days)
Supplement Interactions
- •Calcium supplements with dense binders may slightly affect readings
Food & Timing
- •Fasting 2-4 hours recommended for consistent results
Who Should Avoid
- •Pregnancy
- •Recent radioactive isotope injection (wait 72 hours)
- •Recent barium contrast study (wait 7 days)
📋 Protocol Snapshot
Protocols are for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.
Cost Guide
AED 500-1,500 per scan in UAE
Estimated UAE pricing. Costs vary by provider, dosage, and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEXA is considered the clinical gold standard with ~1-2% margin of error. It's significantly more accurate than bioimpedance scales (5-8% error), calipers (3-5% error), or BMI calculations. Only underwater weighing and 4-compartment models match its precision.
Typically AED 500-1,500 ($135-$410) per scan in Dubai. Some longevity clinics offer packages with multiple scans for progress tracking. Many include a detailed consultation with the results.
For general health tracking, every 6-12 months is ideal. If you're actively trying to change body composition (gaining muscle, losing fat), every 3-6 months can help validate your program. For bone density monitoring, annually is standard.
No. A full-body DEXA scan delivers about 0.001 mSv of radiation — roughly 1/10th of a chest X-ray, or less than a day of natural background radiation. It's one of the lowest-radiation medical imaging procedures available.
Where to Get It (UAE)
Related Treatments
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Kamura Scores reflect a combination of research evidence, community data, and other factors — they are not clinical recommendations. Research citations are provided for reference; always consult the original publications for complete study details. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Individual results may vary.