InBody vs DEXA Scans: Which is Better?
DEXA vs InBody: Which Body Composition Scan Is Right For You?
TL;DR
If you want gold-standard accuracy, visceral-fat numbers, and bone-density trends, choose a DEXA scan. If you mainly need a quick, radiation-free check-in to watch weekly trends, an InBody scan can do the job—just control your hydration each time.
Quick-Compare Snapshot
| Metric | DEXA Scan | InBody Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Low-dose dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry | Multi-frequency bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) |
| Typical Error Margin | ±1–2 % body-fat (METS Performance) | ±3–5 % body-fat (METS Performance) |
| Scan Time | 10–15 minutes (scan time) | 45–60 seconds standing on device |
| Radiation | ~5 µSv ≈ 4 bananas worth (BodySpec) | None |
| Typical Price | Starts at $40 at BodySpec (view packages) | $10–$40 at many gyms |
| Key Extras | Visceral-fat, bone-density & segmental analysis | Segmental muscle-mass map |
Choosing between a DEXA scan and an InBody test comes down to a simple question: which technology best fits your goals, budget, and need for accuracy? This guide walks you through the science, trade-offs, and real-world examples so you can confidently choose the best test for your specific needs.
Comparing DEXA and Other Body Composition Tests
Learn how BodySpec DEXA scans compare to other body composition tests.
Book a BodySpec DEXA scan today and see exactly how your body composition changes over time.
How Each Technology Measures Your Body
DEXA: Low-Dose X-Rays Separate Bone, Muscle & Fat
A DEXA scanner emits two X-ray beams at different energies. Dense tissue (bone) absorbs more energy; soft tissue (fat and lean mass) less. Software converts that into a 3-compartment model—fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content.
The scan also maps visceral fat and provides a bone-density score.
Why it matters: Hydration or recent meals have minimal impact on the results, so repeat scans typically vary by <1 % in research settings (Journal of Exercise & Nutrition).
InBody: Bio-Electrical Impedance Estimates Tissue by Conductivity
During an InBody scan, you stand barefoot on the device while holding hand electrodes. A painless multi-frequency current travels through the body.
Because water-rich lean tissue conducts electricity better than fat, the device first estimates total body water, then uses proprietary equations to back-calculate fat-free mass and fat mass.
Why it matters: Hydration level, meal timing, and temporary muscle swelling after exercise can shift readings by several percentage points, but the speed and absence of radiation make InBody a popular gym “weigh-in.”
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Accuracy & Reliability: What the Studies Show
| Measurement | DEXA (Gold Standard) | InBody 770/570/270 |
|---|---|---|
| Group-level body-fat error | ±1–2 % | ±3–5 % |
| Test–retest coefficient of variation | <1 % | 1–3 % |
| Hydration sensitivity | Minimal | Up to 3 % BF swing per 1 % body-water change |
Bottom line: DEXA wins on consistency, while InBody works best as a convenient trend tracker.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
DEXA
Pros
- Gold-standard accuracy (±1–2 % BF)
- Tracks regional muscle & fat plus visceral fat
- Includes non-diagnostic bone-density insight
- Low radiation—less than a cross-country flight
Cons
- Requires lying still 7–10 minutes
- Slightly higher cost & appointment scheduling
InBody
Pros
- Lightning-fast (under a minute)
- Zero radiation
- Widely available in gyms and offices
- Easy to repeat weekly for trends
Cons
- ±3–5 % error and highly hydration-sensitive
- No bone or visceral-fat data
- Results vary by device model and firmware
Ready to Scan? Book your BodySpec DEXA Here!
Real-World Scenarios: Choosing the Right Scan
1. Emily, 29 – Marathoner Chasing Personal Records
Emily likes weekly feedback. She steps on her gym’s InBody to ensure weight-loss phases don’t cost her muscle, then books a BodySpec DEXA every quarter to confirm the overall picture before adjusting her nutrition plan.
2. Coach Carlos, 38 – Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Carlos oversees 40 athletes. Quarterly DEXA scans provide hard numbers on lean-mass changes and flag creeping visceral fat in linemen. An in-house InBody provides quick progress checks between training phases.
3. Helen, 54 – Tracking Bone Health Trends
Helen’s doctor orders diagnostic DEXAs every two years for osteopenia. Between those medical scans, Helen books non-diagnostic BodySpec whole-body DEXAs quarterly. These track bone-density trends plus body-fat changes, helping her fine-tune diet and strength training.
Decision Tree: Pick Your Best-Fit Scan
- Need bone-density metrics or visceral-fat data?
- Yes → Choose DEXA
- No → Next question
- Is ±3–5 % error acceptable for your goals?
- Yes → InBody suits rapid, frequent check-ins
- No → DEXA gives tighter accuracy
- How often will you test?
- Weekly/bi-weekly → Use InBody regularly and add a periodic DEXA baseline
- Monthly/quarterly → DEXA alone is sufficient
Cost, Convenience & Safety Considerations
- Price: BodySpec scans start at $40—see packages. InBody sessions usually run $10–$40.
- Time: Plan on about 15-20 minutes total for a DEXA visit (setup + scan + review) versus ~5 minutes for InBody.
- Radiation: Whole-body DEXA ≈ 5 µSv—less than a cross-country flight or eating four bananas (BodySpec).
- Prep: Hydration barely affects DEXA, but a 1 % body-water shift can swing InBody BF % by up to 3 % (Journal of Exercise & Nutrition). Consistency is king for both scans—use the BodySpec prep checklist (morning, fasted, similar clothes) as a universal protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes. A whole-body DEXA exposes you to roughly 5 µSv—less radiation than a cross-country flight and about the same as eating four bananas (BodySpec).
How often should I get a DEXA?
Most BodySpec clients scan monthly or quarterly to guide training blocks. Follow your physician’s advice for medical monitoring.
How much do hydration or meals impact InBody accuracy?
Up to a 3 % body-fat change per 1 % body-water shift (Journal of Exercise & Nutrition). Always replicate hydration, meal timing, and exercise state.
Does DEXA measure visceral fat directly?
It provides a clinically validated estimate. The scanner analyzes the android (waist) region to quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT), delivering a research-grade visceral-fat number that InBody cannot match.
Can InBody track small muscle gains?
It tracks trends, but small month-to-month changes may hide in the ±3–5 % noise. Use DEXA periodically for confirmation.
The Bottom Line
If you need ultimate accuracy, visceral-fat scores, or bone insights, DEXA is the gold standard. For quick, radiation-free checkpoints between workouts, InBody is a handy sidekick—just keep hydration consistent.
Ready to see your numbers? Book your BodySpec DEXA scan today.
