BodySpec vs DexaFit: Which DEXA Scan Service Is Right for You?

If you're looking to get a DEXA scan for body composition analysis, you've probably come across BodySpec and DexaFit—the two major consumer-focused DEXA scanning services. But with significant price differences, how do you choose? Let's break it down.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses low-dose X-rays to measure your body composition with exceptional accuracy. Unlike bathroom scales or bioelectrical impedance (like InBody), DEXA provides:

• Precise body fat percentage (±1-2% accuracy)
• Lean muscle mass in total and by region (arms, legs, trunk)
• Bone mineral density (important for osteoporosis screening)
• Visceral fat measurement (the dangerous fat around organs)
• Left-right asymmetry detection (muscle imbalances)

DEXA is the clinical gold standard—the same technology used in medical research and osteoporosis diagnosis. Both BodySpec and DexaFit use legitimate, medical-grade DEXA machines.

Pricing Comparison

This is where the services differ most dramatically:

The math: BodySpec is roughly 60-70% cheaper than DexaFit. For regular tracking (quarterly scans), you'd spend $150-200/year with BodySpec vs $500-700/year with DexaFit.

Why the Price Difference?

BodySpec operates a high-volume, lower-margin model with mobile vans that visit multiple locations. DexaFit runs premium studios with more staff, additional equipment (RMR, VO2max, 3D body scanning), and higher rent in retail locations.

If you only need DEXA body composition scans, BodySpec offers essentially the same test for significantly less.

Locations & Availability

BodySpec Coverage

BodySpec operates primarily in:

• California: Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Orange County, Sacramento
• Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin
• Washington: Seattle area
• Arizona: Phoenix metro

They use a mix of fixed locations (gyms, wellness centers) and mobile vans that visit on scheduled days. The mobile van model means they can serve more areas, but you may need to plan around their schedule.

DexaFit Coverage

DexaFit has 35+ studio locations across the US, including:

• West Coast: California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona
• Southwest: Texas, Colorado
• Midwest: Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota
• East Coast: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia

DexaFit studios are typically in shopping centers or office buildings, open 7 days a week with flexible scheduling.

The Scan Experience

BodySpec Experience

• Mobile vans or shared spaces in gyms/wellness centers
• Efficient, no-frills approach (in and out in 15-20 minutes)
• Scan takes about 7 minutes
• Brief results review immediately after
• Detailed PDF report emailed within 24-48 hours

BodySpec is utilitarian but professional. You're there for data, not ambiance. The technicians are knowledgeable and the process is streamlined.

DexaFit Experience

• Dedicated retail studios with modern design
• More spa-like atmosphere
• Longer appointments (30-45 minutes) with detailed consultation
• In-depth results review with a consultant
• Digital dashboard to track results over time

DexaFit positions itself as a premium wellness experience. If you value a polished environment and more hand-holding through your results, DexaFit delivers that.

Reports & Data Quality

Both services use medical-grade Hologic or GE DEXA machines and provide comprehensive reports. Here's what you get:

Standard Report Includes:

• Total body fat percentage and mass
• Lean tissue mass (total and regional)
• Bone mineral density and content
• Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measurement
• Regional breakdown (arms, legs, trunk, android/gynoid)
• Comparison to previous scans (if applicable)

Key Differences

The core DEXA data is equivalent between both services. DexaFit's advantage is the digital platform for long-term tracking. BodySpec's PDF reports contain the same information; you just need to manually compare them or create your own tracking spreadsheet.

Additional Services

This is where DexaFit pulls ahead for those wanting comprehensive metabolic testing:

DexaFit Additional Tests

• RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate): $99-129 standalone, often bundled with DEXA
• VO2max Testing: $175-250 for true cardiorespiratory fitness measurement
• 3D Body Scanning: Visual tracking of body shape changes
• Fit3D or Styku: Body circumference measurements

BodySpec Additional Services

BodySpec focuses primarily on DEXA. Some locations offer RMR testing, but it's not universally available. They don't offer VO2max or 3D scanning.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose What

Other Options to Consider

If neither service is available in your area:

• University research labs: Some offer DEXA scans to the public for $50-100
• Hospital radiology departments: May do body composition DEXA (typically need physician order)
• Local wellness centers: Increasingly offering DEXA, often using the same machines
• InBody scans: Less accurate but widely available at gyms ($25-50)