What Your Scan Measures

Depending on whether you undergo a DEXA Scan or an InBody Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), your assessment measures: Total Body Weight & Body Mass Index (BMI) Bone Mineral Content & Density (DEXA) Muscle & Fat Mass Analysis (segmental lean mass and fat distribution across arms, legs, and trunk) Body Fat Percentage (distinguishing between subcutaneous fat and deep visceral fat around internal organs) Percentage of Muscle Mass & Muscle Quality Body Water Composition & Fluid Distribution (extracellular and intracellular water balance) Cellular Health & Phase Angle Measurement (InBody BIA metric providing insight into cellular integrity and hydration state) The objective data gained from these scans provides a true reflection of your unique physiology, without relying on generalised population averages or empirical guesswork.

When to book and what to book

In practice, most people are best served by both. A DEXA scan at the start to establish exactly where you are, InBody every few weeks to follow the trend, and a repeat DEXA at four to six months to confirm what has actually changed. Book DEXA if this is your first assessment, you are over 60, you are making an HRT or bone health decision, you are starting GLP-1 treatment, or you want a definitive answer. Book InBody if you already have a baseline and want to check your direction of travel.

For InBody, results are only comparable if conditions are consistent. Ideally, scan at a similar time of day under similar circumstances, not immediately after exercise, and well hydrated but not having just drunk a large volume. Shoes and socks off. For DEXA, wear clothing without metal fastenings over the hips and lower back. No fasting is needed. Let us know if you have had a barium study or contrast scan in the past week.

Weight management and GLP-1 patients. Rapid weight loss costs muscle as well as fat. Scanning at baseline and again at four to six months shows whether what you are losing is the right tissue and is one of the few ways to catch excessive lean mass loss early. Anyone on testosterone replacement. Objective measurement of lean mass and fat distribution over time. Adults over 60. Appendicular lean mass is the measure used to identify sarcopenia, which is treatable and much easier to address early. Athletes and serious trainers. Regional lean mass, symmetry, and precise tracking through a training block. Oncology and functional medicine patients. Objective monitoring of lean mass through treatment.

Which is more accurate, a DEXA scan or an InBody scan?

DEXA measures body composition directly and is considered the clinical reference standard. InBody uses bioimpedance to estimate body composition, which can be influenced by hydration levels. Both are useful tools: DEXA tells you precisely where you are, while InBody helps track which direction you are moving over shorter intervals.

Is a DEXA body composition scan safe?

Yes. A DEXA scan uses an extremely low radiation dose, considerably less than a standard chest X-ray. However, DEXA scans are not suitable for anyone who is pregnant.

How often should I get a body composition scan?

For DEXA, we recommend scanning every four to six months during active dietary, training, or rehabilitation changes, or annually for general health monitoring. For InBody, scans can be repeated as frequently as every two weeks to closely track short-term progress.

Are home smart scales as good as clinic-grade InBody scans?

Smart scales use the same basic bioimpedance principle as InBody, but with far fewer measurement points and no segmental analysis (such as isolating individual arms or legs). They are fine for tracking a rough home trend, but not for making clinical or precise health decisions.

Do I need a doctor's referral to book a scan?

No. You do not need a GP letter or referral. You can self-refer and book your scan directly with us.

Does a DEXA body composition scan assess my bone health and fracture risk?

A body composition scan reports total bone mass, but a full diagnostic assessment of bone density and fracture risk requires a dedicated DEXA Bone Density Scan with Trabecular Bone Score (TBS).

Can I get both a DEXA scan and an InBody scan in a single visit?

Yes. You can book the Complete DEXA Assessment, which combines both technologies in one appointment, alongside a clinician review of your results.

What specific measurements does a composition scan provide?

Depending on the scan type, results include total body weight, BMI, muscle and fat analysis, body fat percentage (subcutaneous vs. deep visceral fat), muscle mass percentage, body water balance, phase angle (cellular health), and segmental lean/fat distribution across your arms, legs, and torso.

Can be used during injury rehabilitation or dialysis?

Yes. Body composition scans are used in rehabilitation to track recovery, muscle retention, and limb symmetry. In renal care, InBody scans help dialysis patients monitor hydration, fluid balance, and nutritional status.

How does tracking visceral fat benefit my health?

Visceral fat is the deep fat stored around vital internal organs. Monitoring visceral fat helps assess metabolic health risks related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, providing actionable data to guide dietary and exercise adjustments.

How should I prepare for a scan to ensure accurate results?

For the most accurate measurements, follow these simple steps before your appointment: Wear metal-free clothing: Choose comfortable clothes with elastic waistbands. Avoid metal zips, buttons, clips, or underwire bras, and remove jewellery, watches, and belts. Fast for 2–3 hours: Avoid heavy meals right before your scan so digesting food doesn’t skew your results. Maintain normal hydration: Drink normal amounts of water, avoid alcohol for 24 hours, limit caffeine on the day, and empty your bladder right before testing. Avoid intense exercise: Refrain from heavy workouts for 12–24 hours prior to prevent fluid shifts in your muscle tissue. Skip calcium on the morning of your scan: If having a DEXA scan, hold off on taking calcium supplements until after your appointment so undissolved tablets don’t block spine imaging. The test can be repeated every 2-4 weeks to check for changes in body composition as a result of training, rehabilitation, weight loss or other body changes.

Treatments

Advanced Body Composition Scan in Leicester

Advanced Body Composition Scan

Treatment options and pricing

Hip and lumbar spine DEXA scan with T and Z-scores and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS), reported by a consultant radiologist. Adults 18+.

Measures bone density and bone quality at the hip and lumbar spine. You receive the scan printout and a consultant radiologist report by secure link. A GP results consultation can be booked separately (£75).

No GP referral needed: request a scan directly, and our doctors triage and arrange it if clinically appropriate.

Everything in the DEXA + TBS scan, plus a vertebral fracture assessment of the spine at the same appointment. Adults 18+.

Adds a low-dose side view of the spine to check for vertebral fractures, which often cause no symptoms.

Recommended if you have lost height, have a curved upper back, take long-term steroids or have had a previous fracture. You receive the scan printout and a consultant radiologist report covering both by secure link.

Whole-body DEXA scan measuring fat mass, lean muscle mass and visceral fat, with a breakdown by region. Adults 18+.

For people whose care depends on knowing what their body is made of: rapid weight gain or weight loss, metabolic dysfunction, GLP-1 medication (such as Mounjaro or Wegovy), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and HRT. It shows how much of any weight change is fat and how much is muscle, and tracks visceral fat over time. You receive the full scan printout by secure link, checked by a Health Suite clinician before release.

A body composition scan on its own is not reported by a radiologist.

A GP results consultation can be booked separately (£75). This scan does not include bone density at the hip and spine; for both, choose the Complete DEXA Assessment.

Bone density with TBS plus full-body composition (fat, lean muscle and visceral fat) in a single appointment, with a consultant radiologist report. Adults 18+.

Bone density and TBS at the hip and spine, plus a whole-body scan measuring fat mass, lean muscle mass and visceral fat. You receive the scan printouts and a consultant radiologist report by secure link.

A GP results consultation can be booked separately (£75).

Bone density with TBS, vertebral fracture assessment and full-body composition in one appointment, with a consultant radiologist report. Adults 18+.

Our most complete assessment of bone health and body composition.

Includes everything in the Complete DEXA Assessment plus a vertebral fracture assessment of the spine.

Add a vertebral fracture assessment to any DEXA bone density booking, carried out at the same appointment.

A low-dose side view of the spine that checks for vertebral compression fractures. It is only available alongside a DEXA bone density scan at The Health Suite. Our doctor confirms it is appropriate for you when reviewing your health questionnaire.

Optional 15-minute consultation with a THS doctor to go through your DEXA results.

Your scan printout and radiologist report are sent to you as standard. Book this consultation if you would like a doctor to explain your T-score, Z-score, TBS and any VFA findings, and to discuss treatment or lifestyle options. It is charged separately and is not included in any scan package.

Rheumatology consultation for osteoporosis identified on DEXA, with treatment planning, medication review and ongoing specialist management.

A specialist rheumatology consultation for patients whose DEXA scan shows osteoporosis. Your appointment includes a review of your results, medical history and fracture risk, followed by a personalised treatment plan. Where appropriate, we provide ongoing monitoring and management of your osteoporosis and treatment response.

Body Composition Scan powered by the InBody 970 provides detailed analysis of body fat, muscle mass, and water levels, offering insights into overall health and fitness. Test only: No interpretation included.

During an Inbody 970 Composition Test, you’ll undergo a non-invasive body scan that provides detailed information about your body composition, including muscle mass, body fat percentage, and other metrics, helping you gain insights into your overall health and fitness. Test Only, Interpretation of the results is not included. Please book a private GP appointment to discuss the results.

An InBody Composition Test follow-up consultation with a GP reviews your body composition results, discusses health goals, and provides personalised advice or treatment options.

In this follow-up consultation, you will meet with one of our doctors to discuss the results, analyse your progress, and receive personalised advice on how to optimise your health and fitness based on the insights gained from the test.

Unlock Your Health Potential – Advanced Body Composition Scan at The Health Suite Leicester!

Leicester's Only Private Clinic Offering DEXA & InBody Scans Onsite

A Body Composition Scan is a detailed, non-invasive assessment that looks beyond standard body weight to analyse the precise makeup of your body, including fat mass, muscle tissue, bone, and water balance.

By utilising high-tech diagnostic tools, these assessments deliver accurate, reproducible numbers that help you understand your baseline health, optimise your nutrition or fitness plans, and track meaningful physical changes over time.

“A DEXA scan tells you where you are. An InBody scan tells you which way you’re going.”

We offer both technologies because they serve distinct, complementary purposes in your health journey.

Get your DEXA and InBody body composition scan on-site in Leicester at The Health Suite. Our in-house scanning facilities allow you to have your assessment locally, without being referred to another centre or travelling outside Leicester.

DEXA & InBody Scans Onsite in Leicester

Advanced Body Composition Scan

Depending on whether you undergo a DEXA Scan or an InBody Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), your assessment measures:

Total Body Weight & Body Mass Index (BMI)
Bone Mineral Content & Density (DEXA)
Muscle & Fat Mass Analysis (segmental lean mass and fat distribution across arms, legs, and trunk)
Body Fat Percentage (distinguishing between subcutaneous fat and deep visceral fat around internal organs)
Percentage of Muscle Mass & Muscle Quality
Body Water Composition & Fluid Distribution (extracellular and intracellular water balance)
Cellular Health & Phase Angle Measurement (InBody BIA metric providing insight into cellular integrity and hydration state)

The objective data gained from these scans provides a true reflection of your unique physiology, without relying on generalised population averages or empirical guesswork.

In practice, most people are best served by both. A DEXA scan at the start to establish exactly where you are, InBody every few weeks to follow the trend, and a repeat DEXA at four to six months to confirm what has actually changed.

Book DEXA if this is your first assessment, you are over 60, you are making an HRT or bone health decision, you are starting GLP-1 treatment, or you want a definitive answer.
Book InBody if you already have a baseline and want to check your direction of travel.

For InBody, results are only comparable if conditions are consistent. Ideally, scan at a similar time of day under similar circumstances, not immediately after exercise, and well hydrated but not having just drunk a large volume. Shoes and socks off.
For DEXA, wear clothing without metal fastenings over the hips and lower back. No fasting is needed. Let us know if you have had a barium study or contrast scan in the past week.

Weight management and GLP-1 patients. Rapid weight loss costs muscle as well as fat. Scanning at baseline and again at four to six months shows whether what you are losing is the right tissue and is one of the few ways to catch excessive lean mass loss early.
Anyone on testosterone replacement. Objective measurement of lean mass and fat distribution over time.
Adults over 60. Appendicular lean mass is the measure used to identify sarcopenia, which is treatable and much easier to address early.
Athletes and serious trainers. Regional lean mass, symmetry, and precise tracking through a training block.
Oncology and functional medicine patients. Objective monitoring of lean mass through treatment.

Advanced Body Composition Scan

These include the following usages:

01
Rehabilitation & Post-Surgical Recovery:
- Track Recovery Progress: Offers a non-invasive, precise method to gather objective data on muscle mass retention, limb symmetry, and nutritional status throughout recovery.
- Guide Treatment Decisions: Helps clinicians and patients tailor rehabilitation protocols at any stage of injury or post-surgical recovery.
02
Metabolic & Organ Health Monitoring
- Visceral & Subcutaneous Fat Tracking: Utilises dedicated results sheets to track changes in deep abdominal (visceral) fat and surface (subcutaneous) fat over time.
- Renal & Dialysis Management: Provides critical insights into fluid balance, cellular hydration, and nutritional status for renal and dialysis patients.
03
Athletic Performance & Fitness Optimisation
- Performance Enhancement: Assists athletes and sports professionals in fine-tuning body composition to optimise power-to-weight ratios and endurance.
- Injury Prevention: Identifies muscle imbalances and structural asymmetries early to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.
- Nutrition & Training Feedback: Monitors real-time physiological adaptations when starting new dietary interventions or structured exercise programs.
04
Age-Related & Preventive Care
- Sarcopenia & Fall Risk Screening: Evaluates muscle mass levels and bilateral muscle distribution in older adults to identify early signs of muscle wasting and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
- Baseline Goal Setting: Establishes an accurate, individual baseline to set realistic health milestones and evaluate the true effectiveness of medical or wellness treatments over time.

DEXA Body Composition
DEXA is the reference standard for body composition. It is the method against which other techniques are validated.

Rather than estimating, it measures tissue directly using two X-ray energies, separating fat, lean tissue and bone across each region of the body.

Your scan reports:
- Total and regional fat mass, arms, legs, trunk, android and gynoid distribution
- Lean mass by region, including appendicular lean mass, the measure used to assess sarcopenia
- Visceral adipose tissue, reported as a measured area rather than an estimate
- Bone mineral content and density
- Left-to-right comparison, useful after injury or in rehabilitation
The scan takes 10 to 15 minutes, is painless, and uses a very low radiation dose. A consultant radiologist reports every scan.

Because DEXA is highly repeatable – around 1 to 2% for fat mass – it is the right test for establishing a true baseline and for measuring real change over months rather than weeks.
InBody 970 Analysis

The InBody 970 uses multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance to estimate body composition segmentally, arm by arm and leg by leg.

It takes around 90 seconds to stand on the device, involves no radiation at all, and your results are available immediately.

Its strength is frequency. It is realistic to scan every two to four weeks, which makes it well suited to tracking a change in diet, training or medication while it is happening.

Its limitation is that impedance is affected by hydration, food, and recent exercise. Measured under standardised conditions, it is consistent and reliable for tracking; measured at random times of day, it will move for reasons that have nothing to do with fat or muscle.

To see a demonstration of an InBody 970 sample report, click here.

Which should you have?

Which should you have?
	DEXA	InBody 970
Method	Directly measures tissue by X-ray	Estimates from electrical impedance
Regional Detail	Arms, legs, trunk, android/gynoid	Segmental by limb and trunk
Visceral Fat	Measured area	Estimated level
Bone	Bone mineral content and density	Not measured
Repeatability	Around 1–2% for fat mass	Good under standardised conditions
Affected by hydration	No	Yes
Time	10–15 minutes, lying down	90 seconds, standing
Radiation	Very low, less than a chest X-ray	None
Best for	Establishing your baseline, bone health, clinical decisions	Frequent tracking between DEXA scans

Related treatments

What we treat

Osteopenia, Osteoporosis & Bone Health

We evaluate low bone mineral density and fracture risk using high-precision DEXA scanning with Trabecular Bone Score (TBS). This allows us to detect early structural bone loss, monitor osteoporosis progression, and help clinicians tailor treatment plans to safeguard your long-term skeletal strength.
Metabolic Health & Visceral Adiposity

Deep visceral fat stored around vital organs raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Using DEXA direct imaging and InBody bioimpedance, we accurately measure visceral fat areas, allowing you and your medical team to manage metabolic risks and track meaningful health improvements.
Post-Injury & Surgical Rehabilitation

Injury, surgery, or bed rest can cause severe muscle wasting and side-to-side asymmetry in your limbs. We track recovery with InBody cellular phase angle readings and repeat DEXA assessments, ensuring your rehabilitation program restores strength, balance, and muscle symmetry effectively.
Sarcopenia & Age-Related Muscle Loss

Aging often leads to sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass, strength, and balance. We combine DEXA muscle mapping with InBody segmental lean analysis to identify muscle imbalances and early tissue loss, providing actionable data to help reduce fall risks and maintain independence in older adults.
Hydration & Renal Fluid Management

Fluid overload and cellular hydration shifts require accurate, non-invasive monitoring. Using InBody’s advanced bioimpedance technology, we evaluate extracellular and intracellular water balance, aiding dialysis and renal patients in tracking nutritional status, tissue integrity, and fluid levels.
many more

Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.

Checklist

Symptom checker

Has your weight dropped rapidly on a diet or weight-loss medication (e.g., GLP-1s)?

Rapid weight loss often results in hidden muscle and bone loss rather than just fat. A combined DEXA and InBody scan ensures you are burning body fat while preserving vital lean tissue.
Are you struggling with a weight-loss plateau or abdominal fat that won't shift?

Standard scales and BMI cannot distinguish where fat is stored. A DEXA scan pinpoints deep visceral fat levels to help refine your nutrition and training strategies.
Do you feel weaker, less stable, or notice loss of muscle as you get older?

Subtle strength loss can signal early sarcopenia. Scanning measures your exact muscle distribution across your arms, legs, and core to identify weaknesses before they lead to falls.
Are you recovering from a sports injury or surgery and noticing limb imbalance?

InBody and DEXA segmental analysis measure muscle mass differences down to the gram between your left and right sides, guiding your physical therapy to ensure full recovery.
Are you experiencing persistent fluid retention, swelling, or changes in hydration?

InBody bioimpedance measures your intracellular to extracellular water ratio and cellular phase angle, helping detect fluid imbalances and monitor tissue health.
Does your BMI label you as overweight, even though you are active and fit?

BMI fails to differentiate heavy muscle tissue from body fat. A DEXA scan measures true body composition, giving you an accurate picture of your physical health.

Your Health, Our Priority.

Why choose The Health Suite for Advanced Body Composition Scan?

Expertise

Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals who are experts in body composition and bone density analysis. With their specialised knowledge and clinical proficiency, you can trust that both your DEXA and InBody scans will be conducted with the highest levels of precision and accuracy.
Cutting-Edge Technology

Step onto the gold standards of modern body analysis. Our clinic utilises advanced DEXA scanning alongside the state-of-the-art InBody 970 platform. By combining direct dual-energy X-ray tissue imaging with pioneering 3MHz bioimpedance frequencies, we capture precise, segment-by-segment data across bone, muscle, fat, and fluid balance, completely free from empirical assumptions or population averages.
Insightful and Thorough Data Interpretation

At our clinic, it’s not just about raw numbers; it’s about understanding what they mean for your overall health, performance, and fracture risk. Our clinical experts provide in-depth interpretation of your DEXA and InBody scan results, translating complex medical data into clear, practical, and actionable health insights.

Bookings & Enquiries

Have a query about Advanced Body Composition Scan at The Health Suite Leicester?

Clinicians

Meet our Advanced Body Composition Scan Clinicians

Practice Nurse

Clinic Coordinator

Clinical Health Care Assistant

FAQ

Common Q&A about Advanced Body Composition Scan

For the most accurate measurements, follow these simple steps before your appointment:

Wear metal-free clothing: Choose comfortable clothes with elastic waistbands. Avoid metal zips, buttons, clips, or underwire bras, and remove jewellery, watches, and belts.
Fast for 2–3 hours: Avoid heavy meals right before your scan so digesting food doesn’t skew your results.
Maintain normal hydration: Drink normal amounts of water, avoid alcohol for 24 hours, limit caffeine on the day, and empty your bladder right before testing.
Avoid intense exercise: Refrain from heavy workouts for 12–24 hours prior to prevent fluid shifts in your muscle tissue.
Skip calcium on the morning of your scan: If having a DEXA scan, hold off on taking calcium supplements until after your appointment so undissolved tablets don’t block spine imaging.

The test can be repeated every 2-4 weeks to check for changes in body composition as a result of training, rehabilitation, weight loss or other body changes.

DEXA scans involve a very low dose of radiation and are not suitable during pregnancy. Additionally, individuals who cannot lie flat for 10–15 minutes or who have non-removable metal implants around the scanning site may not be suitable for DEXA testing.

For InBody (bioimpedance) scans, individuals with implanted electronic medical devices (such as pacemakers or ICDs) or those who are pregnant should consult our clinical team prior to testing.

You may also be interested in the following

Precise DEXA bone density scanning in Leicester. Measure fracture risk, T-scores, and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) with radiologist reporting.

Safe, specialist -led weight management in Leicester. We provide Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic with expert clinical titration and continuous care.

Get accurate body composition testing in Leicester. Our DEXA and InBody scans track muscle, fat, visceral fat, and bone health with precision.

Search services

DEXA Bone Density + Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) 20 min £195/session

DEXA Bone Density + TBS + Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) 20 min £270/session

DEXA Body Composition 15 min £150/session

Complete DEXA Assessment (without VFA) 20 min £275/session

Complete DEXA Assessment + VFA 20 min £350/session

Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) add-on £75/session

GP Results Consultation 15 min £75/consultation

Rheumatology Initial Appointment Price on enquiry/session

Inbody Body Composition Scan- Test Only £25/session

Inbody Composition Test – Follow up Consultation with GP 30 min £120/consultation

Leicester's Only Private Clinic Offering DEXA & InBody Scans Onsite

What Your Scan Measures

When to book and what to book

How to prepare

Who this is for

Rehabilitation & Post-Surgical Recovery:

Metabolic & Organ Health Monitoring

Athletic Performance & Fitness Optimisation

Age-Related & Preventive Care

DEXA Body Composition

InBody 970 Analysis

Which should you have?

Osteopenia, Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Metabolic Health & Visceral Adiposity

Post-Injury & Surgical Rehabilitation

Sarcopenia & Age-Related Muscle Loss

Hydration & Renal Fluid Management

many more

Has your weight dropped rapidly on a diet or weight-loss medication (e.g., GLP-1s)?

Are you struggling with a weight-loss plateau or abdominal fat that won't shift?

Do you feel weaker, less stable, or notice loss of muscle as you get older?

Are you recovering from a sports injury or surgery and noticing limb imbalance?

Are you experiencing persistent fluid retention, swelling, or changes in hydration?

Does your BMI label you as overweight, even though you are active and fit?

Expertise

Cutting-Edge Technology

Insightful and Thorough Data Interpretation

Which is more accurate, a DEXA scan or an InBody scan?

Is a DEXA body composition scan safe?

How often should I get a body composition scan?

Are home smart scales as good as clinic-grade InBody scans?

Do I need a doctor's referral to book a scan?

Does a DEXA body composition scan assess my bone health and fracture risk?

Can I get both a DEXA scan and an InBody scan in a single visit?

What specific measurements does a composition scan provide?

Can be used during injury rehabilitation or dialysis?

How does tracking visceral fat benefit my health?

How should I prepare for a scan to ensure accurate results?

Who is not recommended to take a DEXA or InBody scan?