Not All DEXA Scans Are Created Equal
DEXA scans are the gold standard for body composition and bone density measurement. But what most people don’t realise is that not all DEXA reports are the same, they vary by machine, software, and reporting style. The truth is, most DEXA reports haven’t changed much since the late 1980s, and that’s a problem.
If you’ve ever had a DEXA scan, you’ve probably received a lot of confusing numbers that don’t really mean much to you. You might have had an operator try to explain it, but let’s be honest most people forget what was said by the time they get home.
Without BodyCompPro, Your DEXA Results Can Be Misleading. Here’s Why.
Most DEXA reports use a small and outdated database called N-HANES, which:
Only includes a sample of 10,000 people, all from the USA, making it unrepresentative of populations in the UK and other regions. Worse still, the data is artificially skewed—the comparison dataset removes 5.6% of lean mass and incorrectly adds it to fat mass, making individuals appear fatter than they really are. Despite manufacturers advising years ago that this method should no longer be used for new DEXA scans, these outdated and misleading numbers will be what you are compared to still if your operator uses manufacturers software. Even if their machine gives you correct body fat figures in the classic setting, the comparative illustrative data that they use on the reports will often be based on the outdated N-Hanes dataset.
What does this mean for you?
You might think your body fat percentage is within a healthy range, but if you're in the UK, your results are being compared to a skewed American dataset. That’s not real insight. That’s misleading data.
BodyCompPro solves this.
We use the largest, most accurate modern DEXA database, featuring over 25,000 regional scans. If you live in the UK, you’ll be compared to UK data—not outdated US numbers.
Crystal Clear, Actionable Reports
Most DEXA reports are a confusing mess of numbers and jargon that require an expert to decipher.
BodyCompPro eliminates the guesswork
- Easy-to-read, intuitive reports with clear visuals and side-by-side comparisons.
- No more drowning in numbers you’ll see exactly what’s changing and why.
- Real-World Health Insights Beyond Just Fat & Muscle
Your body composition is more than just fat percentage. BodyCompPro goes deeper, identifying crucial health risks you need to know.
Visceral Fat Risk Detection
Visceral fat—fat stored around your organs—is the #1 predictor of metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. BodyCompPro tracks visceral fat specifically, so you can see if you’re at risk and take action.
Bone Health & Fracture Risk Analysis
We don’t just measure body fat—we also assess your Bone Density (T-score, Z-score, BMD, BMC). Low bone density increases fracture risk, osteoporosis, and long-term mobility issues. BodyCompPro helps you monitor and maintain strong bones.
Muscle Symmetry & Imbalance Detection
Your left and right muscles aren’t always balanced, and that can impact sports performance, injury risk, and rehabilitation.
BodyCompPro detects muscle imbalances and helps you correct them before they lead to problems.
AI-Powered Personalisation & Action Plans
Most DEXA reports just give you numbers—BodyCompPro gives you a plan.
AI-driven risk analysis identifies your personal metabolic, muscle, and bone risks.
Custom fat loss & muscle gain strategies based on real medical research.
No generic advice—just science-backed, data-driven recommendations for YOU.
Moving Beyond BMI’s Limitations
Most health assessments still rely on BMI, a system created in the 1830s for white European men that doesn’t account for fat vs. muscle, fat distribution, or metabolic risk factors.
BodyCompPro moves beyond BMI by using:
- Fat Mass Index (FMI) - shows fat relative to height.
- Lean Mass Index (LMI) - reveals muscle vs. height.
- Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) - identifies muscle atrophy risks that could affect mobility and long-term health.
Fully Portable Reports & Lifetime Tracking
Most DEXA software only stores your last 6 scans.
BodyCompPro keeps your entire scan history, allowing for true long-term tracking of progress.
And the best part? Your data is portable—meaning if you visit another facility using BodyCompPro, your history follows you
Insist on BodyCompPro. Because Your Health Deserves Better.
Used another provider for DEXA scans, and want them updated to run on BodyCompPro?
Now you have found out just how good your scans can be, it’s common to wish you could see all your results and progress done in the same way in the same place.
Well the good news is that we can probably help with that, unless your old scans were done using totally obscure and out of date equipment. Although our powerful software works on the scanners operating systems we do have a plugin that allows you to upload PDF documents to our customer service centre where the required data will be manually removed, reformatted and added to your customer account so it can be brought up to date using modern relevant datasets and AI.
All you need to do then is enjoy the reports and use any approved facilities in the future to make sure you continue to get the most from your scans.
Upgrade Your DEXA Scan Experience with BodyCompPro
Used a different provider for your DEXA scans but want them integrated into BodyCompPro? Now that you’ve seen just how insightful your scans can be, it’s only natural to want all your results and progress tracked consistently in one place.
The good news? We can likely help—unless your old scans were done on outdated or obscure equipment. While our advanced software is designed to work seamlessly with compatible scanners, we also offer a solution for older scans. Contact us and ask for details of how we can upgrade your old fashioned basic scan reports.
From there, all you have to do is enjoy your reports and continue using any approved BodyCompPro facilities to keep tracking your progress with precision.