News & tips on health, fitness and nutrition

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

InBody vs. DEXA Scan

InBody uses Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to measure body composition. It sends a safe, low-level electrical current through the body to measure the resistance of different tissues (like water, muscle, and fat). 
Multiple Frequencies: It uses both high and low frequencies to look at water both inside and outside your cells. 
Segmental Measurement: It breaks the body into five separate cylinders (the trunk, arms, and legs) rather than treating the body as a single mass.
No Empirical Estimates: Unlike basic home impedance scales, InBody's technology calculates values using direct impedance measurements without relying on statistical guesses based on your age or gender.
The chart below highlights how a professional-grade InBody scale compares directly to a medical DEXA scan: 
FeatureInBody Scale (BIA)DEXA Scan (X-Ray)
TechnologyMulti-frequency electrical currentsLow-dose dual-energy X-rays
Body Fat Error±3% to 5% (tends to read lower)±1% to 2% (highly precise)
Visceral FatBroadly estimated (low clinical agreement)Directly measured (highly accurate)
Bone DensityCannot measureAccurately measures
Testing FluctuationHigh (sensitive to food, water, exercise)Very low (fluid shifts rarely alter results)

 


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