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DEXA Scans Explained: What Your Results Mean from CrossFit BC. Confused by your DEXA scan report? Here is what body fat %, visceral fat, lean mass, and bone density T-scores actually mean, and what to do next.
DEXA Scans Explained: What Your Body Composition Results Actually Mean
This article is part of the CrossFit BC journal, written by the coaching staff who run our classes in Olympic Village, Vancouver. We publish what we teach on the floor: training decisions, recovery, nutrition, and the honest tradeoffs behind them.
A DEXA scan measures three things: fat mass (including regional distribution and visceral fat), lean mass (muscle, water, connective tissue), and bone mineral density. It gives you the most complete picture of your body composition available.
Yes. A DEXA scan uses extremely low radiation, roughly 0.001 mSv per scan, which is less than a cross-country flight or a day of natural background radiation. It's one of the safest imaging procedures available.
DEXA is considered the gold standard because it has a margin of error of about 1 to 2 percent, provides a full regional breakdown of where fat and muscle are distributed, and measures bone density. Smart scales and calipers can swing by 3 to 8 percent depending on hydration, time of day, and technique.
Yes. DEXA body composition scans are included in the 30-Day Lifestyle Reset and are available as part of the Living Legends program. Your coach reviews the results with you and uses the data to guide your training and nutrition plan.
Every 3 to 6 months is a good cadence for most people. That gives your body enough time to make meaningful changes in composition. Your coach can help you decide what makes sense based on your specific goals.