Prepare for Your BodySpec Scan

4 MIN READ • BY The BodySpec Team • Sep 16, 2025

Stylized illustration of a person undergoing a body composition analysis, represented by concentric circles emanating outwards from the body.

Prepare for Your BodySpec Scan

TL;DR Pre-Scan Checklist

• Arrive 5 min early; call 310-601-8184 if running late (5 min grace period)

• Eat and drink normally—no long fasts or excessive amounts of water

• Skip intense exercise and sauna/steam sessions for 12 hrs

• Wear one layer of light, metal-free clothing; remove jewelry, watches, and keep hair down

• Empty pockets & restroom right before the scan

• Reschedule if you’ve had a barium or contrast-dye exam in the last 2 weeks

Consistent prep = consistent data. Follow the same routine every time

Why Preparation Matters (in 60 Seconds)

This complete guide to DEXA scans explains how the technology measures fat, lean tissue, bone, and visceral fat with a margin of error typically under ±1 %, but the scan cannot distinguish between recently consumed food and your actual body mass.

Infographic showing how a pre-scan snack can inflate body mass readings. On the left, a figure is labeled 'Accurate'. On the right, a second figure with food inside its torso and an upward arrow above its head is labeled 'Inflated Reading'.

24-Hour Countdown

Time to Scan	Do This	Why It Helps
24 hrs	Keep normal diet & hydration	Minimizes unusual body-water or glycogen swings, establishing a stable baseline
12 hrs	No heavy workouts or saunas	Intense exercise shifts body water and can skew lean-mass, as shown in a 2013 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
4 hrs	Finish last solid meal	Empty stomach = cleaner signal
2 hrs	Sip water only	Stabilizes hydration and avoids lean-mass swings
Arrival	Remove metal, restroom break	Prevents image artifacts and ensures a comfortable scan

A pair of light-colored running shoes sits on a floor next to a full glass of water, bathed in sunlight from a nearby window. This scene symbolizes the beginning of a 24-hour hydration and preparation period before a medical scan.

Set calendar reminders so future scans feel effortless.

Clothing & Jewelry

• One layer of comfy, metal-free clothing over underwear (think leggings + sports bra or T-shirt).
• Remove all jewelry, belts, smart-watches, wearables, and metal hairpins.

A belt buckle, a smartwatch, and a folded pair of jeans are displayed under 'NOT TO WEAR' with a cross mark above each item, indicating they should be avoided during a DEXA scan.

If you forget gym clothes, we can still scan you but wearing the same type of light clothing at each visit keeps your trend data as accurate as possible.

Fasting & Hydration

Eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Extreme fasting or chugging water shifts glycogen and fluid, altering lean mass by up to 1.5 lb, according to a 2017 study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology.

An empty white plate, a glass of water, and a fork on a beige kitchen counter. In the background, there's a stove, cabinets, and a cutting board with wooden utensils, all in a neutral color palette.

Exercise Guidelines

High-intensity training, long runs, or sauna sessions temporarily change body-water distribution. Keep activity light within 12 hrs of the scan.

An illustration comparing heavy exercise and light stretching. On the left, a man lifts a heavy barbell with a red X over him, indicating it's not recommended. On the right, a woman sits calmly performing a light stretch with a green checkmark over her, indicating it's recommended, likely before a medical scan.

Medical Imaging & Medications

• Wait 14 days after any barium study or contrast-dye injection before booking.
• Take prescribed meds as directed; skip non-essential supplements until after the scan.

An illustration showing a vial of contrast dye with a red prohibition sign over it, indicating it is not allowed. To its right, a pill bottle with a green checkmark indicates that prescription medication is allowed before a scan.

Pregnant or might be? We don't recommend scanning.

What to Expect on Scan Day (About 15 Minutes Total)

Check in 5 mins early.
Shoes off, pockets empty, jewelry/watch/wearables off, hair down.
Lie still, breathe normally—scanner time is about 6 min.
Get results in minutes plus guidance on interpreting your results through our AI voice consultant.

A woman stands with her back against a light gray wall, eyes closed, in a meditative or relaxed posture. She is wearing a gray t-shirt and black leggings.

FAQ

Can I drink water before my BodySpec scan?

Yes—but large volumes will inflate lean-mass numbers.

A hand holds a small glass of water, suitable for hydration before a medical scan. In the blurred background, a large water jug represents an amount of fluid to avoid.

Will my Apple Watch affect results?

Barely but it's better to remove all wearables.

Illustration showing an X-ray of an arm and hand. A bright, star-like artifact is evident on the wrist where a metal watch would be, obscuring the bones beneath.

What if I’m late?

Call 310-601-8184. We allow a 5-min grace period and will try to reschedule if slots are open.

How often should I rescan?

Every 8–12 weeks is ideal for tracking change. Members save 30 % per scan—see DEXA membership perks.

A line graph displaying an upward trend, indicating progress or growth. A yellow line with a light blue arrow at the end moves from the bottom left towards the top right of the graph.

Corporate wellness event prep?

Sharing this page with participants helps ensure a smooth, on-time event for everyone. For additional resources or to schedule a group scan, visit our corporate wellness hub or email events@bodyspec.com.

Next Step

Book your scan and set those calendar alerts—future you will thank you.