Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
body composition - Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
Body Composition assessments are a useful tool to track long-term changes in recovery, energy balance and nutritional interventions. Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scans provide detailed and precise measurements of your body fat, lean mass and bone density.
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is a scan that measures body composition. The best way to track long-term changes in body fat percentage and lean mass related to recovery, energy balance and nutritional intervention.
A DXA scan is fast and use low dose x-rays to measure body composition. It provides precise and accurate data on fat tissue mass, lean tissue mass, and on bone mineral density. The report will show a regional breakdown of results (trunk, arms, legs, pelvis and android/gynoid regions).
We recommend booking a nutrition consultation to accompany your body composition assessment.
Extensive studies have shown the risks of all-cause mortality are significantly correlated with body composition. Results from your body composition scan can be used to track changes in body mass and how much fat you are losing/gaining compared to your total muscle mass. It also provides readings of visceral fat (how much fat an individual carries around their organs), a good indicator for increased risk of chronic disease.
Body composition scan results also give an indication of your bone mineral density, which is an indication of bone strength and fragility. This scan allows any issues to be flagged up for further investigation.
A body composition scan takes 10 -20 minutes. The scan involves lying on your back on a firm couch while a scanning arm passes over your body taking an image of the area being scanned.
As with x-rays, body composition scans use radiation. The level of radiation for a body composition scan is extremely low, about the same as what you are exposed to from a few days’ natural background radiation.
For the scan you will need to wear minimal clothing and remove all metal and jewellery, so please bring a vest and shorts that you are happy to wear for the scan with no metal zips, clips, or fastenings.
You need to fast (do not eat) for at least four hours before the scan and be normally hydrated with water. That way, you will not have a big meal in your stomach, which could affect the results. Also, please do not do heavy exercise, like a big run or a heavy workout prior to the scan. You should take all your medications as normal. You will need to empty your bladder directly before the scan.
- High Performance Athletes – Scan results provide the information needed to adjust training and dietary needs.
- Fat loss – People following a fat loss diet and exercise programme where results will provide the information required to tailor their programme to ensure healthy levels of body fat, avoid muscle wastage, remain healthy and avoid injury
- Muscle Weakness or Injury – Results will provide information to aid recovery.
- You should not have a Body Composition Scan if you are:
- Pregnant
- Weight over 227kg
- Have had an X-ray examination using contrast dye recently
£150
Book your assessment
Get an accurate measure of your body composition using DXA (DEXA).
If you want to book multiple services then we advise you to contact us.
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work with industry experts
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![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor Rowena Johnson
Consultant Radiologist MB ChB FRCRConsultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist with expertise in diagnostic imaging and image guided treatments of elite athletes. She works with numerous international athletes and clubs including within the Premier League, Championship football and British Olympic team.
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![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Marina Alexander
Marina Alexander is a HCPC registered radiographer and CQC manager. Marina has many years of experience in the NHS and private sector as a radiographer and an applications specialist. She is responsible for the provision of the University’s clinical DXA Service and supporting DXA research.
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![Dr Matthew Barlow staff profile image]()
Dr Matthew Barlow
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of SportDr Matt Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology. He is actively involved in research and consultancy relating to body composition and bone density. He has provided services to a wide range of individuals from everyday people to those performing at the highest levels in a wide range of sports.
work with industry experts
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor Rowena Johnson
Consultant Radiologist MB ChB FRCRConsultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist with expertise in diagnostic imaging and image guided treatments of elite athletes. She works with numerous international athletes and clubs including within the Premier League, Championship football and British Olympic team.
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Marina Alexander
Marina Alexander is a HCPC registered radiographer and CQC manager. Marina has many years of experience in the NHS and private sector as a radiographer and an applications specialist. She is responsible for the provision of the University’s clinical DXA Service and supporting DXA research.
-
![Dr Matthew Barlow staff profile image]()
Dr Matthew Barlow
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of SportDr Matt Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology. He is actively involved in research and consultancy relating to body composition and bone density. He has provided services to a wide range of individuals from everyday people to those performing at the highest levels in a wide range of sports.
Contact us
Email us with any questions you might have.
