Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

DXA, as the name suggests, calculates your body fat percentage using X-rays. You lay on your back for around 10 minutes during a DXA scan as an X-ray is scanned over you.

Total and regional fat, bone mineral, and bone mineral-free lean components may be measured with DXA. The technique is based on the attenuation characteristics of tissues exposed to X-rays at two peak energies. The radiation emitted by a DXA scan is quite low. It's approximately equivalent to what you would get in three hours of your typical day. DXA is also used to assess bone density and offers comprehensive data on the bone, lean mass, and fat in different parts of the body (arms, legs and torso).