DEXA Scan Results: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

A DEXA scan is one of the most powerful tools for understanding your body—from fat and muscle distribution to bone health and visceral fat risk. But once you have your report in hand, how do you know which numbers are normal, and which ones signal it’s time to make a change?

In this guide, we break down the most common DEXA scan metrics and explain what’s considered healthy, what’s not, and how to use your data to improve your health and fitness—especially when tracking over time with regular scans.

1️⃣ Total Body Fat Percentage: What's Normal?

This number tells you what portion of your total body weight is made up of fat.

📝 Note: Athletes may fall below these numbers, but going too low can negatively impact hormones, immunity, and bone density—especially in women.

2️⃣ Visceral Fat: The Most Important Metric to Watch

Visceral fat is the hidden fat around your organs, and it’s strongly associated with chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

✅ Healthy Visceral Fat Levels (Measured by DEXA in grams):

• Under 500g: Low risk
• 500g–999g: Moderate risk
• Over 1000g: High risk — time to take action

Unlike subcutaneous fat (the fat you can see), visceral fat can’t be spotted visually—only a DEXA scancan measure it accurately.

3️⃣ Lean Mass: What’s Ideal?

Lean mass includes muscle, water, organs, and bone—everything that isn’t fat.

🔍 What to Look For:

• Higher lean mass = better metabolism and strength
• Monitor for left/right or upper/lower imbalances
• No strict “normal,” but increasing or preserving lean mass is the goal—especially during fat loss or aging

4️⃣ Bone Mineral Density (BMD): What’s Normal?

DEXA scans include:

• T-score (compared to a healthy 30-year-old)
• Z-score (compared to your age/gender)

✅ T-Score Ranges:

📌 Low BMD? Strength training, calcium, and vitamin D can help prevent further bone loss.

5️⃣ Regional Fat Distribution: Symmetry Matters

DEXA scans provide detailed fat and muscle breakdown by region (arms, legs, trunk). Use this to:

• Spot muscle imbalances (e.g., stronger right leg)
• Monitor fat storage patterns
• Optimize training and rehab programs

6️⃣ Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Intervene

• Visceral fat over 1000g
• Total body fat in the high-risk range
• Bone density in osteopenia or osteoporosis ranges
• Declining lean mass despite consistent training
• Significant left/right muscular imbalances

⚠️ These don’t mean you’re unhealthy now—but they are strong predictors of future risk if left unaddressed.

What to Do Next

• Repeat your DEXA scan every 4-8 weeks if actively changing body composition
• Use your report to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery
• Focus on reducing visceral fat, increasing lean mass, and preserving bone health

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at KALOS.

Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

📍 Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

‍