Body Composition Scan
Beyond the scales. Know your body.
A DEXA body composition scan measures fat mass, lean muscle and visceral fat separately - giving you and your GP a precise picture of what is changing and why.
Four things the scales never tell you.
Weight alone is almost meaningless as a health marker. Body composition tells the real story.
Fat Mass
The total amount of body fat - broken down by region. Knowing where fat is stored matters as much as how much you have. Visceral fat (around your organs) carries significantly higher health risks than subcutaneous fat.
Lean Muscle Mass
The total weight of your muscles, organs and bones - excluding fat and water. Protecting lean mass during weight loss is critical. Losing muscle alongside fat slows your metabolism and undermines long-term results.
Visceral Fat
Fat stored around the internal organs - the liver, pancreas and intestines. Visceral fat is the most metabolically active and dangerous type. It drives insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular risk independently of your total weight.
Bone Mineral Density
The density and strength of your bones. Rapid weight loss can reduce bone density - particularly in women post-menopause. Monitoring this ensures your programme is not compromising your long-term skeletal health.
What the scales miss.
Two patients can weigh exactly the same and have completely different body compositions - and completely different health risks.
Scales vs Body Composition Scan
What each actually tells you about your health
Scales alone
- Total weight only - no breakdown
- Cannot distinguish fat from muscle
- Cannot detect visceral fat levels
- Cannot show muscle loss during weight loss
- Weight can stay the same while body composition improves significantly
- No bone density information
Body composition scan
- Separate fat mass and lean muscle measurements
- Visceral fat level - the highest risk fat type
- Regional breakdown - where fat is stored
- Detects muscle loss early so we can act
- Bone mineral density
- Tracks real progress even when weight plateaus
Your scan appointment.
The whole appointment takes around 20 minutes. The scan itself is 10 minutes and completely non-invasive.
Book your appointment
Book via Semble - scans are available at our Battersea clinic. No fasting or special preparation required.
Arrive at the clinic
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Remove metal jewellery before your scan. The scanner is fully clothed - no undressing required.
10-minute scan
You lie still on the scanning table while the machine passes over your body. There is no noise, no discomfort and no radiation concern - the dose is extremely low, equivalent to a few hours of natural background radiation.
Results reviewed
Your results are generated immediately and shared with your GP. You receive a clear breakdown of your measurements and how they compare to your previous scan.
Programme adjusted if needed
If your scan shows unexpected muscle loss or insufficient fat reduction, your GP and nutritionist can adjust your programme accordingly at your next review.
Ready to see the full picture?
No commitment required. Book a single scan or add regular scans to your programme.
DEXA body composition scan.
Know exactly what's changing.
Available at our Battersea clinic. Results shared with your GP. No fasting, no preparation, no discomfort.
Our bookings team will contact you to schedule your scan at our central London clinic.
Need help interpreting your results?
Every scan comes with a full written report that is clear and easy to understand. If you would like to discuss your results in detail or get lifestyle and dietary advice based on your findings, we may ask you to book a brief consultation. Otherwise, your results will be discussed at your next regular follow-up appointment.