DEXA vs. Old-School Body Tests: Why the Right Tools Matter

Let’s be real—your body isn’t a math problem. So why do most health tests treat it like one?

You’ve probably heard of BMI, skin calipers, smart scales, or even the Bod Pod. They all try to guess what your body’s made of. But guessing is the key word here.

If you want real answers—about your fat, muscle, and bone strength—you need a better tool. That’s where DEXA scanscome in.

Let’s break it down, no science degree needed.

The Old-School Stuff (And Where It Fails)

Here’s a quick look at the tools most people still use—and why they might be holding you back:

🧮 BMI (Body Mass Index)

This one’s simple: it just divides your weight by your height.

Why it’s used: Fast, cheap, and easy.
Why it falls short: It can’t tell fat from muscle. So if you're fit or muscular, it might label you as “overweight.” Yikes.

✂️ Skinfold Calipers

Pinch your fat in a few spots and do some math.

Why people like it: Portable and cheap.
Why it’s a problem: Human error. Plus, it only measures fat under the skin—not the deep stuff that really matters.

⚡ Smart Scales & BIA Devices

These send a tiny electrical current through your body and try to guess what’s fat vs. muscle.

Why it sounds cool: It’s tech!
But: Your hydration, what you ate, or even where you place your feet can change the results. It's not reliable.

💦 Hydrostatic Weighing & Bod Pod

Water or air is used to guess your body fat.

Pretty accurate... in theory. But you have to undress, fast, and breathe just right. Not ideal for everyday life.

The Truth: These Methods Are Just... Estimates.

They can’t see what’s inside.
They can’t tell you where your fat is.
They definitely can’t track muscle or bone changes over time.

That’s where DEXA wins. Every time.

What Makes DEXA So Different?

DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Yeah, it sounds fancy. But all you need to know is this:

🔍 It sees everything—fat, muscle, and bones.
📍 It shows where things are in your body (hello, belly fat).
📊 It tracks your changes with crazy-high accuracy.

Here’s what DEXA gives you that old-school tests can’t:

✅ Real Accuracy

Not an estimate. A direct readout of your fat, muscle, and bone.

✅ Visceral Fat Data

This is the dangerous fat around your organs. DEXA sees it. Calipers and smart scales can’t.

✅ Muscle Tracking

Want to know if you're building muscle or losing it? DEXA tells you what’s really going on.

✅ Bone Density

Yes, DEXA checks your bones too. That means you can watch out for things like osteoporosis.

⚠️ Quick PSA About “DEXA Vans”

Some places offer mobile DEXA scans in vans. Sounds convenient, right? But here’s the issue:

🛻 Vans move. DEXA machines need to stay perfectly still and level. If they’re not, the scans aren’t accurate—and that means your results can’t be trusted.

DexaFit uses certified, in-clinic machines that are locked in place. No movement. No wonky numbers. Just clean, reliable data.

Why DexaFit’s DEXA Is Next-Level

Okay, now here’s where we take things even further:

🧠 DexaFit AI tracks your progress, predicts trends, and gives you a “body score” you can actually understand.

📈 Want to build more muscle? We’ll show you how much you need to reach the top 25% of people your age.

🧍‍♂️ Trying to lose fat the smart way? We’ll map it out—no guesswork, no generic advice.

📲 And it’s all inside the app, right on your phone.

You Deserve Better Than Guesswork

You’re not a number on a scale. You’re not a “BMI.” You’re a complex, amazing human.

And you deserve to know what’s really going on inside your body.

🎯 Ready for real answers?

✅ Book your DexaFit DEXA scan today and get a full-body readout you can trust. Book your DexaFit here
✅ Want a total health strategy based on your numbers? Ask us about Pathways to Peak™—our 12-week guided program that builds your plan around you.

Because when you finally stop guessing, everything gets easier.

What Your DEXA Report Really Means

You got a DEXA scan—nice move. It’s not just a fancy name. It’s one of the most accurate ways to see what’s going on inside your body. Think of it like a full-body report card: how much fat you have, how much lean muscle you're carrying, how strong your bones are, and more.

But here’s the thing: most people stop at the “fat percentage” and call it a day. At DexaFit, we go deeper. Because those extra numbers? They tell the real story of your health.

Let’s walk through your report, minus the confusion.

1. Fat Mass

This tells you how much of your body is made up of fat. Not just the total, but where that fat is hanging out.

Key things to look at:

• Body Fat % – This is your total fat divided by your weight.

• Visceral Fat – The kind of fat that wraps around your organs. It’s sneaky and not the kind you can pinch. Too much of it can raise your risk for things like heart disease or diabetes.

• Fat Distribution – Is your fat more in your belly or your hips? This matters.

• A/G Ratio – Android (belly) vs. Gynoid (hips and thighs). A higher A/G ratio can signal greater health risks.

💡 Quick Tip: You need some fat—your body uses it to make hormones and store energy. But if that fat is hanging around your organs or piling up in the wrong places, it’s time to take action.

2. Fat-Free Mass

This is everything that’s not fat: muscles, bones, organs, water.

Why it matters:

• More lean mass = better strength, metabolism, and movement.

• It also means your body burns more calories, even at rest.

👀 Keep an eye on:

• FFMI (Fat-Free Mass Index) – Like BMI, but way smarter. It shows how muscular you are for your size.

• ALMI (Appendicular Lean Mass Index) – Tells you how much lean mass is in your arms and legs. It’s a strong sign of mobility and strength, especially as you age.

3. Bone Density

DEXA was actually first used to test bone health. And it still does a great job.

Why it’s important:

• Strong bones = fewer breaks and falls as you get older.

• Low bone density could mean early signs of osteoporosis.

🧠 DexaFit Bonus: We also compare your bones to healthy people your age so you know where you stand.

4. The Power of Pattern-Tracking (with AI)

One scan gives you a snapshot. But two or more? That’s when the magic starts.

With DexaFit AI, you can:

• Watch your trends over time (not just one random number).

• See how changes in diet or workouts are really affecting you.

• Get smart suggestions to help you move forward—no guesswork.

📱 It’s all in your app: progress charts, peer comparisons, and reminders to retest before you fall off track.

So… What Should You Do With All This?

Data is cool, but action is cooler. Here’s where to start:

✅ If your visceral fat is high:
Try structured cardio, strength training, better sleep, and stress-reducing habits.

✅ If your muscle mass is lower than it should be:
Eat more protein, lift heavier, and make sure you're recovering well.

✅ If your A/G ratio is off:
Time to tweak that nutrition and get moving—especially if you’re sitting a lot.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure this out alone.
We can turn your numbers into a personalized game plan—made just for you.

📈 Curious about what comes next?
Ask us about Pathways to Peak™—our 12-week data-based program that turns your scan into a fully guided strategy for fat loss, strength, energy, or longevity. It’s like a GPS for your goals (without the annoying voice).

Ready to get started?

🔍 Book your DEXA scan now and get the clarity you’ve been missing.
Because your health deserves more than guesswork.

👉 Schedule Your DexaFit Appointment