If you’re reading this, odds are you’ve considered getting a Kansas City Dexa body composition scan. We’re SO glad you read this first!
As the most comprehensive fitness testing center in the Kansas City Metro area, the experts here at BodymetRx Kansas City want to explain exactly why we DO NOT offer Dexa body composition scans.
We’ve chosen Seca as our trusted, 100% SAFE body composition scan technology. Here’s why—including peer-reviewed data and studies on the safety, accuracy, and cost of Dexa vs Seca in Kansas City. Because you shouldn’t just take our word for it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why We Recommend Seca over Dexa
The main reasons we DO NOT RECOMMEND Dexa in our BodymetRx Kansas City fitness testing center are:
- Questionable long-term safety of Dexa scans due to radiation exposure
- Dexa scans are 3 times more expensive than Seca scans ($150+ vs $49)
- Seca vs Dexa scans are both highly accurate (97-99% accuracy)
- Limited frequency allowance of Dexa scans—only once per quarter is advised.
What is the Dexa Body Composition Scan? What Does It Do?
Dexa, also known as DXA, stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry—which is a fancy way of saying that Dexa scans use x-ray technology, but with much more image detail. Kansas City Dexa body composition scans can tell you fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral adipose tissue (hidden or “toxic” fat), Segmental Skeletal Muscle Mass (muscle distribution in the arms, legs and torso), and bone density. In fact, Dexa scans are widely used by physicians to monitor bone density in patients with osteoporosis.
Dexa scans CAN NOT indicate intracellular vs extracellular water (inflammation and hydration) levels.
What is the Seca Body Composition Scan? What Does It Do?
Seca Medical Body Composition Analyzer (mBCA) uses bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to pass a weak electrical current through the body. Fat is a non-conductor of electrical charge, so its resistance to electrical current is greater than that of muscle. The Seca mBCA then uses highly accurate calculations to predict the amount of fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral adipose tissue (hidden or “toxic” fat), Segmental Skeletal Muscle Mass (muscle distribution in the arms, legs, and torso), and intracellular vs extracellular water present in your body. These last two have to do with hydration levels and signs of inflammation and water retention—particularly useful for athletes.
Seca scans CAN NOT indicate bone density.
Kansas City Dexa vs Seca Comparison Chart
| How To Compare Dexa vs Seca Scans | Dexa Scan | Seca Scan |
|---|---|---|
| SAFETY | Safe, but with Restrictions | 100% Safe |
| FREQUENCY LIMITATIONS | 1X per quarter ONLY | Unlimited |
| ACCURACY | Highly Accurate (99%) | Highly Accurate (97-99%) |
| COST ($USD) | $99-$155 per scan | $49 per scan |
| DATA YOU GET | Body Fat %, Muscle Mass %, Visceral Fat, Segmental Skeletal Muscle Mass (muscle distribution in the arms, legs and torso), Bone Density | Body Fat %, Muscle Mass %, Visceral Fat, Segmental Skeletal Muscle Mass (muscle distribution in the arms, legs and torso), Hydration & Inflammation Levels |
| PREPARATION REQUIRED | Wear fitted clothing Come hydrated No food or water 2 hours prior No exercise before testing Remove metal jewelry No calcium for 24hrs | Wear fitted clothing Come hydrated No food or water 2 hours prior No exercise before testing |
| TIME REQUIRED | 15-20 minutes | 20 seconds |
| COMFORT + EASE | Lying still, on your back, on a flat, open X-ray table | Standing still, upright, on a scale platform, grasping a handrail |
SAFETY: Dexa vs Seca
Seca scans are 100% SAFE for unlimited use.
Unnecessary radiation exposure is the main reason we choose Seca body composition scanning over Dexa scans. Centers for Disease Control says: “The amount of radiation used in Dexa scans is very low and similar to the amount of radiation used in common X-rays. Although we all are exposed to ionizing radiation every day from the natural environment, added exposures can slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.” No thanks! We’ll play it safe and get a Seca scan.
What you deem to be “safe” for yourself and your family is up to you! But our opinion is that if we CAN accurately measure indicators of health and fitness safely, WITHOUT THE USE OF RADIATION…why wouldn’t we!?
FREQUENCY LIMITATIONS: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa body composition tests are only advised once per quarter—four times annually with plenty of time between tests. This is due to concerns about excessive radiation exposure.
Seca body composition scans are 100% safe and can be done as often as you like with NO RISKS.
ACCURACY: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa scans are 99% accurate when the machine is well-calibrated and maintained. Most Kansas City Dexa scans will be highly accurate, though we can’t vouch for calibration or maintenance standards.
Seca scans are 97-99% accurate when the machine is well-calibrated and maintained. Our BodymetRx Kansas City Seca mBCA machines are painstakingly calibrated for consistency.
We’d also like to mention that there are multiple providers of BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) in Kansas City. You may have heard of InBody scans as well. While their technology is similar to Seca, studies have shown that “Unlike Seca, InBody underestimated BF% in both genders and was influenced by BMI categories.” Basically, their method of estimating body fat percentage differs from Seca and is considered slightly less accurate. And that’s when the machine is well-calibrated…
COST: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa scan pricing is another consideration. Kansas City Dexa scan cost ranges from $99-$155 per scan. Though, you can likely get a discount Dexa testing package if you bundle tests.
Seca body composition testing is 3 times more affordable than Dexa! Each of our Kansas City body composition scans is $49, and we also offer packages and memberships with up to 25% OFF our fitness testing services.
DATA YOU GET: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa scans will tell you your body fat percentage, percent muscle mass, visceral (hidden or toxic) fat levels, and bone density. This can be very useful for individuals 65+ who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, though we always advise that you see your doctor for Dexa testing.
Seca mBCA body composition scans tell you your intracellular vs extracellular body fat percentage, percent muscle mass, visceral (hidden or toxic) fat levels, and intracellular vs extracellular water levels. By comparing how much water is inside your cells vs outside of your cells, we can learn about hydration levels and if you might be retaining water or have excessive inflammation from overtraining.
TESTING PREPARATION: Dexa vs Seca
Testing preparation for Dexa vs Seca scans is very similar. For both Dexa and Seca scans, you must wear fitted clothing (like a sports bra and leggings or a SPEEDO), come hydrated, avoid exercise before your test, and consume no food or water for 2-3 hours before testing.
Because of the use of x-rays, Dexa scans also require you to remove all metal from your body—like earrings or pocket change. Pacemakers may also be impacted, so use caution!
Individuals using Dexa scans for bone density testing are required to stop taking calcium supplements 24 hours prior to their test for accurate results.
TESTING TIME REQUIRED: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa body composition scans take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. Additional time may be needed to discuss results.
Our Seca Kansas City body composition test only takes about 20 seconds! We always advise setting aside an additional 10-15 minutes to review your test, especially at your first visit!
TESTING COMFORT & EASE: Dexa vs Seca
Dexa scans are administered while you’re lying still on your back on a flat, open X-ray table. Getting onto the testing table may be difficult for individuals with mobility constraints. Lying on the table for 15-20 minutes may also be uncomfortable for some people.
Seca mBCA scans require you to stand upright and completely still on a scale platform, grasping a circular handrail for 20 seconds.
Should You Choose a Kansas City Dexa or Seca Body Composition Scan?
We’re sure you have your own opinions at this point, but we advise our Kansas City fitness testing clients to choose a Seca Body Composition Scan because it’s safer, highly accurate, and can be performed as often as you like. Plus, our staff is kind, non-judgmental, and VERY excited to nerd out with you about your fitness data!
See Available Seca Body Comp Scan Appointments!
How Do I Book a Seca Body Scan in Kansas City?
Come visit our Kansas City fitness testing center location for a FREE CONSULTATION any time to learn more about each of our fitness tests, chat about our discounted testing packages and memberships, and meet our friendly staff. You can also go ahead and schedule your Seca body composition scan NOW. We’ll still give you a tour when you arrive!
I hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Justin Petersen
Owner, BodymetRx Kansas City