Should You Get a DEXA Scan in 2025?
If you're starting to take your health seriously in 2025, you’ve probably heard of the DEXA scan. DEXA scans are often mentioned in conversations around fitness, longevity, and biohacking—but is it worth your time and money? Let’s break down what it is, what you learn from it, and whether it’s the right move for you this year.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a medical-grade body composition test that uses low-level X-rays to measure:
Body fat percentage
Lean muscle mass
Bone mineral density
Fat distribution by region (like visceral fat vs. subcutaneous fat)
It's considered the gold standard for accuracy in assessing body composition and bone health. These are serious scans that are run through a provider, so to get one you typically have to make an appointment with a doctor or perhaps a specialty clinic. The scan only takes about 10–20 minutes and is completely non-invasive. You just lie on a table for a few minutes!
What Data Do You Get from a DEXA Scan?
Unlike your standard scale or fitness tracker, a DEXA scan gives you granular, detailed data that can be incredibly helpful if you’re optimizing your training or overall health. Here's what you'll walk away with:
✔ Total body fat percentage – Plus how it’s distributed (e.g. more in the abdomen vs legs).
✔ Muscle mass per limb – Useful for tracking imbalances or progress from strength training.
✔ Visceral fat levels – This fat surrounds internal organs and is more closely linked to chronic disease.
✔ Bone density – Critical for long-term health, especially as you age.
You’ll also get insights for how your numbers compare to the averages for your demographic, which can be very helpful for interpreting the results.
What Can You Do With the Data?
The insight from a DEXA scan can help you:
Tailor your training: If your muscle is underdeveloped in one area, you can build your workout around it.
Track fat loss more accurately: Especially if the scale isn’t moving but you’re seeing composition changes.
Spot red flags early: Low bone density or high visceral fat could prompt helpful lifestyle changes.
Set specific, informed goals: You’ll know exactly what you’re working with—and working toward.
It also gives you a chance to discuss results with a medical professional, which can add an extra layer of personalized insight. Many people bring their results to a personal trainer as well.
How much does a scan cost?
The price will vary based on your region and the provider that you choose but for reference, the clinic we visited in Miami charges $200 per scan, which includes a call with the practicing physician to discuss your results one-on-one.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you’re not quite ready to book a scan or just want to track body composition more regularly, you can look into at-home alternatives. We recommend the Hume scale. It’s a smart scale that goes far beyond traditional weight tracking. A few of the benefits:
Measures body fat %, muscle mass, hydration, and more
Tracks trends over time
Syncs with your phone for easy data access
Features a handle bar to get both upper and lower body data
Great for everyday use without needing appointments or radiation exposure
But most importantly, we compared our Hume scale readings with our DEXA results and were shocked at how similar they were. While it’s not as precise as a DEXA scan, the Hume Scale is incredibly convenient and still gives you pretty accurate and actionable insights. For most people, it’s more than enough to track progress and stay motivated.
So, Should You Get a DEXA Scan in 2025?
Here’s the bottom line:
👉 If you’re deep into the health optimization space, are training seriously, or want the most detailed baseline with the guidance of a doctor, a DEXA scan may be worth it.
👉 If you’re just starting your journey, want something more accessible, or prefer tracking over time without the clinic visit, the Hume Scale is a fantastic alternative that gets you very far.
Whichever route you choose, the key is knowing your body and making informed decisions. In 2025, data-driven wellness isn’t just for athletes or biohackers—it’s for anyone who wants to take control of their health.
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