How to Prepare for a DEXA Scan: What to Eat, Wear, and Expect

Getting a DEXA scan is one of the smartest moves you can make for your health and fitness journey. But to get the most accurate results, a little preparation goes a long way.

At KALOS, our DEXA Scan San Francisco experience is quick (just 6 minutes!), comfortable, and data-driven—but knowing what to eat, wear, and expect can help ensure your scan is as accurate and stress-free as possible.

Here’s your complete guide.

What to Eat (or Not Eat) Before Your DEXA Scan

• Light meals only: Try to avoid heavy, salty, or carb-loaded meals right before your scan, as they can cause water retention.
• You can drink water: Staying hydrated is fine—and even encouraged!—but avoid drinking excessive amounts right before the scan.
• Yes, you can have coffee: A small cup of coffee or tea is fine, but skip adding lots of sugar, milk, or heavy cream.
• No fasting necessary: You do not need to fast for a body composition DEXA scan (unlike some medical imaging scans).

💡 Pro tip:

Eat and drink as you normally would on a typical day to keep your scan consistent with your daily baseline.

What to Wear to Your DEXA Scan

• Thin, lightweight clothing: Athletic wear like leggings, compression shorts, and a fitted t-shirt is ideal.
• Avoid metal: No zippers, underwire bras, jewelry, or metal logos. Metal can interfere with the scan readings.
• Sports bra (for women): Yes, you can wear a sports bra—as long as it’s free of any metal clips or wires.

💡 Pro tip:

The lighter and simpler your outfit, the more accurate your scan will be!

What Can Throw Off a DEXA Scan

• Recent intense workouts: Try not to work out heavily right before your scan; muscle pumps can slightly affect readings.
• Hydration fluctuations: Major dehydration or overhydration can skew results slightly.
• Bloating: Eating large meals right before can cause abdominal bloating, which could influence visceral fat readings.
• Pregnancy:

🚨 Important: If you are pregnant or think you might be, you should not undergo a DEXA scan, as it involves a very low dose of radiation.

What to Expect During the Scan

• The scan itself takes about 6 minutes.
• You’ll lie flat on a padded table while the scanner arm moves slowly overhead.
• It’s completely painless—no squeezing, poking, or discomfort.
• You simply relax and breathe normally while the machine works.
• Afterward, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your fat, lean mass, visceral fat, and bone density.

How Often Should You Scan?

At KALOS, we recommend scanning:

• Every month for short iteration cycles
• Every other month at minimum

This helps you track changes in real time and adjust your plan before small issues become bigger setbacks.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

Ready to get the most accurate, science-backed insight into your body? At KALOS, we offer expert DEXA scans in San Francisco to help you unlock a new level of data-driven fitness and health optimization.

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

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