Body Composition Scan

A DEXA body composition scan provides a detailed picture of your body, helping you better understand your health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

Available at Canopy Imaging, this advanced scan measures your body fat, muscle mass, and bone density—giving you insights that go far beyond weight or BMI.

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What is a body composition scan?

A body composition scan is a quick, safe, and non-invasive test that uses low-dose X-ray technology to analyse your body.

It provides precise measurements of:

Body fat percentage
Lean muscle mass
Bone density
Fat distribution (including visceral fat)

Monitor your health status and gain insight into your physical condition.

Why get a body composition scan?

A body composition scan is ideal for individuals who want a clearer, more accurate understanding of their health and physical condition.

You may benefit from a scan if you:

Want to monitor your overall health status
Are looking to gain deeper insight into your body composition and physical condition
Are at risk of chronic health conditions
Are working towards weight loss, fitness, or performance goals

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts, in particular, can use this scan as a reliable baseline to guide nutrition and exercise plans and to track progress over time.

What does the scan show?

Your results include a comprehensive report with:

Android/gynoid ratio (waist to hip fat ratio)
Fat mass and % fat
Lean mass and % lean
Total body mineral content
Regional values for arms, legs, and trunk
Tissue mapping showing fat distribution
BMI
Resting Metabolic Rate

This allows you—and your healthcare provider if needed—to make more informed decisions about your health, nutrition, and training.

What happens during the scan?

A body composition scan is quick and comfortable:

You lie on a padded scanning table
The scanner moves slowly over your body
The scan typically takes 10–15 minutes
No preparation or recovery time is required

The scans use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for most people.

FAQs

Self-referral is available for patients aged over 20 years. You can also be referred by your GP or specialist if required.

Body composition scans are available at Canopy Imaging Whangarei, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North and New Plymouth.

Yes. Body composition scans use very low levels of radiation, making them safe for most people.

Unlike BMI or scales, a DEXA scan provides a detailed breakdown of fat, muscle, and bone, giving a much more accurate view of your health.

Body composition scans are suitable for individuals who want to monitor their health, track fitness progress, or gain a better understanding of their body composition. They are especially useful for those at risk of chronic disease or working towards specific health or performance goals.