10/20/2026
Here are some tips!
1. Use the same machine and, ideally, the same technician. Differences in calibration, positioning, and analysis can affect your results.
2. Consider your menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can affect fluid retention, although the impact isn’t always significant.
3. Stay consistently hydrated. Changes in hydration can affect lean mass estimates. Aim for similar hydration levels at each scan.
4. Avoid drastic changes in sodium and alcohol intake. Both can affect your fluid balance.
5. Keep your supplement routine consistent, especially creatine. Increasing your dose may increase water retention and estimated lean mass without actual muscle growth.
6. Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before your scan. Exercise can temporarily affect hydration, glycogen stores, and fluid distribution in your muscles.
7. Get scanned on an empty stomach, if possible. Recent food and fluid intake can affect body fat and lean mass estimates.
8. Schedule your scans around the same time of day. This minimizes variations from food, hydration, and daily activity.
9. Use the bathroom before your scan. A full bladder adds weight and fluid that may affect your results.
Don’t stress if you can’t follow every tip perfectly! If your scan is already booked and you can’t reschedule, that’s okay. These recommendations mainly help minimize small fluctuations between scans. Significant changes in body composition can still be meaningful even without perfect conditions.
Found this helpful? Drop us a like! And stay tuned for our next DEXA breakdown: Body Fat Analysis!
