When people want to know how healthy they are, many start with a scale. But your weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. Two people can weigh the same but have very different body compositions. That’s why more healthcare providers and researchers are turning to DEXA scans—a method that shows how much of your body is made up of fat, muscle, and bone.
A recent study published in April 2025 in the British Journal of Radiology offers new insight into just how accurate this method really is.
The Study: Comparing DEXA to CT Scans
Researchers from South Korea, including J. Oh and colleagues, set out to answer a simple question: How well does a DEXA scan measure fat and muscle compared to a full-body CT scan?
CT (computed tomography) scans are highly detailed and often used in research to assess body composition. But they come with higher radiation exposure and are typically not used routinely in clinical practice for body composition alone. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), on the other hand, is much more accessible, faster, and uses a very small dose of radiation.
In this study, 103 adults underwent both whole-body DEXA and CT scans on the same day. The researchers then compared the results of both scans in terms of:
- Fat mass (the total amount of fat tissue in the body)
- Fat-free mass (which includes muscle and bone)
- Measurements in three main areas: the arms, legs, and abdomen
What Did They Find?
The results were clear: DEXA scans closely matched CT scan results, especially when it came to measuring fat and lean mass in the arms and legs. The abdomen also showed strong agreement, though slight variations were noted due to the complexity of internal fat (such as visceral fat, which surrounds organs).
What makes this important is that the CT scan is often seen as a reference standard in research settings. So, by showing that DEXA produces nearly identical measurements—particularly in the limbs—this study supports DEXA as a reliable and practical tool for evaluating body composition.
Here’s what this means:
- DEXA can accurately measure how much fat and muscle you have
- It can track changes over time—which is important for people managing their weight, recovering from illness, or trying to build muscle
- It’s safe for repeated use because of the low radiation dose
- It’s accessible and can be done quickly in outpatient clinics like ours
Why This Matters
Knowing how your fat and muscle are distributed matters more than most people think.
For example:
- Visceral fat, which wraps around your internal organs, has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation.
- Muscle loss—especially with age—can reduce strength, increase fall risk, and lower metabolic health.
- Two people with the same weight might have totally different health risks, depending on their body composition.
Until recently, it wasn’t easy for the average person to get this kind of data. But with tools like DEXA—and studies like this one confirming its accuracy—there’s now a reliable way to see what’s really going on inside the body.
What to Know if You’re Considering a DEXA Scan
If you’re someone who’s making health changes—whether that’s through exercise, nutrition, or medication—DEXA can be used to track real progress. It can also help identify issues that might be invisible on the surface, such as low muscle mass or high visceral fat, even in people who appear “normal weight.”
This scan is especially useful for:
- People looking to manage weight in a healthier, data-driven way
- Athletes monitoring performance and recovery
- Adults over 50 concerned about muscle or bone loss
- Anyone with a medical condition that affects fat storage or muscle (like diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid disorders)
A scan takes about 15 minutes, requires no special preparation, and gives you a breakdown of your fat, lean mass, and—if ordered—bone density.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 study by Oh et al. provides strong evidence that DEXA scans are more than just a bone test. They’re a valid way to measure what matters most when it comes to body composition. With the added benefits of safety, accessibility, and speed, DEXA is quickly becoming one of the most practical tools for people who want to take control of their health—not just their weight.
If you’re interested in learning more about DEXA scans or discussing whether it might be right for your health goals, feel free to speak to your healthcare provider or reach out to our team.
📍 Accurate Imaging Diagnostics
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Reference:
Oh J, Chae HD, Yoo HJ, Choi JY, Hong SH. 2025. Direct Regional Comparison of Whole-Body DXA and Whole-Body CT Measurements of Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass in Limbs and Abdomen. British Journal of Radiology. April 8.
