DEXA Total Body Scan
The Gold Standard
What a DEXA Total Body Scan Measures
Here's what's in your report. Available at our Rancho Mirage and San Dimas locations. New to DEXA? Learn how it works.
True Body Fat Percentage
Not an estimate — a clinical measurement. Know whether your training and nutrition are actually changing your body composition, not just your weight.
Regional Breakdown
See fat and muscle distribution across your arms, legs, and trunk. Know exactly which areas are responding to your program — and which aren't.
Visceral Fat
The fat packed around your organs that your scale can't see. It's the #1 body composition metric linked to heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Muscle Symmetry
Left vs. right comparison of lean mass. Catch imbalances before they become injuries — especially valuable for athletes and anyone recovering from surgery.
Why Desert Dexa?
Bathroom scales with "body fat mode" can be off by 5–10%. Calipers depend on who's pinching. DEXA is the method researchers and professional sports teams use because it's repeatable, precise, and doesn't depend on operator skill or your hydration level.
One scan gives you a complete picture. Track changes over time and see exactly what's working.
Book Your ScanDEXA scans provide valuable insights into body composition, helping individuals tailor their fitness programs and track progress effectively
By providing detailed insights into fat and muscle distribution, DEXA scans help tailor fitness and nutritional programs to individual needs.
A DEXA scan is a game changer for anyone serious about fitness, offering precise metrics that can guide nutrition and exercise strategies.
Who Gets a Body Composition Scan?
Tracking a fitness program
See if your workouts are actually building muscle and dropping fat — not just moving the number on the scale.
Losing weight
Make sure you're losing fat, not muscle. A DEXA scan shows exactly what's changing and where.
Working with a trainer or coach
Give your trainer real data to work with. Scan every few months and adjust your program based on what's actually happening.
Checking visceral fat
You can look lean and still carry dangerous visceral fat. DEXA is one of the only ways to measure it accurately.
Recovering from injury or surgery
Track muscle loss during recovery and monitor your rebuild. The left-right comparison catches imbalances early.
Setting a baseline
Even if you're not on a specific program, knowing your body composition gives you a starting point for any future changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare before my DEXA scan?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take medications normally before your scan. DEXA technology is resilient and not affected by recent meals or hydration the way some other body composition methods are. Just avoid clothing with metal zippers or buttons — athletic wear works great.
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA (or DXA) scan is a non-invasive test that measures body fat, muscle mass, and bone density using low-dose x-ray technology. It provides highly accurate and detailed information about body composition and bone health in one convenient session.
How long does the DEXA scan take?
The scan typically takes about 15 minutes. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of your body composition and/or bone density measurements.
How much does a scan cost?
Please visit our booking page for up-to-date pricing. Our DEXA scans are affordably priced and often less expensive than insurance copays or deductibles.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Just book online and come in. No referral, no prescription, no insurance approval needed.
Is the DEXA scan safe?
Yes, the DEXA scan uses an extremely low dose of x-ray radiation, comparable to the amount you'd receive from eating 3 bananas. It's considered very safe for most individuals.
What should I wear to my DEXA scan?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal, such as zippers or buttons, as metal objects might reduce accuracy of scan results. Sports bras are preferable for women. Activewear like yoga pants and a T-shirt are ideal.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For body composition tracking, many clients scan every month to monitor changes from fitness and nutrition programs. For bone density monitoring, follow-up scans can be done as appropriate for your individual health needs.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. Our DEXA scans are cash-pay services, and we only accept payment via credit and debit cards. Many clients find our pricing more affordable than insurance copays.
Why choose DEXA over other body composition methods?
We use clinical-grade DEXA — the gold standard for body composition testing. It provides significantly more accurate results than bathroom scales, calipers, or bioimpedance devices, measuring regional and total body fat, muscle mass, and bone density with precision.
Do DEXA scans measure visceral fat?
Yes! Our scans measure visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds your internal organs and is linked to metabolic diseases, heart disease, and other health problems.
Why should I get a bone density scan?
Bone density naturally changes over time, and most people don't know where they stand until they measure it. A DEXA bone density scan gives you a clear baseline and T-score so you and your doctor can make informed decisions about your bone health.
Does it matter where I get my DEXA scan?
Yes. DEXA accuracy depends on proper calibration and a stable scanning environment. Our scanners are fixed-site, clinical-grade systems — not mobile units transported in vans. A stable, properly calibrated machine means more reliable results, especially if you're tracking changes over time. We also offer both body composition analysis and clinical osteoporosis screening with independent radiologist interpretation — most providers only offer one or the other.
What is a DEXA body composition scan?
At Desert Dexa, it's a 15-minute scan that measures your body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, visceral fat, and bone density using low-dose x-ray. You get a detailed report covering all of your results.
How accurate is it?
We use clinical-grade DEXA — the gold standard for body composition measurement. It's significantly more accurate than bioimpedance scales, calipers, or hydrostatic weighing, and it's the same method used in clinical research and by professional sports teams. Learn more about how DEXA works and how it compares to other methods.
Our Locations
Rancho Mirage
Coachella Valley / Palm Springs
69848 Highway 111 Suite 7
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
San Dimas
San Gabriel Valley / Inland Empire
237 W Bonita Ave Suite B
San Dimas, CA 91773
We serve clients across Southern California. Find DEXA body composition scans near you: Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, San Dimas, Claremont, Pomona, Upland, Glendora, La Verne, Rancho Cucamonga, West Covina, Covina, Azusa, Diamond Bar, Fontana, Montclair, and Ontario.
Ready to See Your Numbers?
Book a DEXA scan at our Rancho Mirage or San Dimas location. No referral needed.
Want to learn more? Read our articles on body composition and bone health.