DEXA Scan at Dexafit vs. Medical DEXA: What You Need to Know for Bone Health
Introduction: What Is a DEXA Scan and Why Does It Matter for Bone Health?
As the founder of Strong Women, Strong Bones, I’m always on the lookout for the best evidenced-based ways to prevent osteoporosis and maintain muscle strength as we age. The best tool we have for assessing bone health is the DEXA scan—a test that measures bone mineral density (BMD) and helps identify osteopenia or osteoporosis risk.
I recently went to Dexafit for what was advertised as “DexaFit Body Composition Scan (DEXA),” expecting a full bone density assessment. However, I learned that what I had in mind and what I got were not quite the same. If you’re considering getting a DEXA scan at Dexafit, here’s what you need to know:
Dexafit DEXA Scan: My Experience
At my local Dexafit, I received a DexaFit Body Composition Scan (DEXA), but it was very different from the medical-grade DEXA scan used to diagnose osteoporosis. They were clear with me after my scan that they were not able to diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia. Here’s what the Dexafit scan provided:
This is the bone density information.
One, overall T-score, not site-specific bone density measurements (see my T-Score picture)
Body fat percentage & distribution
Lean muscle mass breakdown
Visceral fat assessment (which I thought was interesting)
A general “body score”
However, it did NOT provide critical bone health data, such as:
Individual bone density results for the spine, hip, or wrists (the areas most prone to fractures)
A Trabecular Bone Score (can be derived from the T-scores and gives information about the quality of your bone)
A Frax Score (another tool that can help assess your risk of future fractures)
💡 Takeaway: If your primary intention is to know exactly what is going on with your bones, a medical DEXA scan is what you need.
How Much Does a Dexafit DEXA Scan Cost?
I took advantage of a Valentine’s Day special and paid $194 for two sessions—one now and one I can schedule later in the year to track changes.
If your main goal is tracking body composition (muscle vs. fat changes), this might be worth it. However, if you need a bone density test to assess osteoporosis risk, you need a physician-ordered DEXA scan.
Who Should Get a Dexafit Scan?
A Dexafit scan might be beneficial for:
✅ People considering weight loss medications who want to establish a baseline body composition ( a good way to get that baseline muscle, fat and general bone health - we don’t really know what effect these medications have on bone)
✅ Those on a weight loss journey who want to ensure they’re maintaining muscle mass (lose fat, not muscle or bone)
✅ Athletes tracking muscle vs. fat ratios
✅ Anyone interested in visceral fat measurement - that’s belly fat (higher risk for several health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, and metabolic syndrome)
However, if you are at risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis and want your specific scores, you need a medical DEXA scan for accurate bone density analysis.
Medical DEXA Scan: Why It’s Important for Bone Health
I’ve scheduled a medical DEXA scan next month, where I’ll receive:
✔ T-scores for the spine, hip, and wrist
✔ A TBS (Trabecular Bone Score) - it looks at the quality of my bone
✔ Frax Score - giving me a risk assessment of my chances of a future significant fracture
If you want actionable data on your bone health, talk to your doctor about getting a DEXA scan rather than relying on Dexafit. If you are getting push-back on getting your first DEXA, be sure to emphasize your risk factors and why you want to get the test. Risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, history of corticosteroid use, previous fracture, small frame and body weight below 127 for most of your life, low Vitamin D levels, any digestive diagnosis which compromises your ability to absorb nutrients, history of smoking and some others.
Final Thoughts: Which DEXA Scan Is Right for You?
If you’re interested in tracking your overall fitness, a Dexafit DEXA scan provides helpful body composition data. But if your priority is bone health, only a medical-grade DEXA scan can give you the details needed to make a comprehensive plan to change your osteoporosis or osteopenia risk and prevent fractures.
💡 Pro Tip: No matter which scan you get, weight training and proper nutrition are essential for bone health. If you want a step-by-step plan for preventing bone loss, check out my Strong Women, Strong Bones program for targeted exercises and expert support.
👉 Thanks for being here,
Andrea Trombley PT, DPT