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Body composition guide

InBody vs DEXA: which body composition scan is actually right for you?

DEXA is often called the gold standard. In practice, for the way real people train and eat, the InBody 570 is usually the smarter working tool. Here's the honest comparison — no marketing spin.

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The short answer

DEXA is best if you want one clinical snapshot with bone density.
InBody is best if you want to track real change every few weeks — accurately, affordably, with no radiation.

Most of our clients use InBody as their working tool and only book a DEXA if they need bone-density data for medical reasons.

Side by side

InBody 570 vs DEXA, on the things that matter

  • Time per scan
    InBody~60 seconds, standing
    DEXA6–15 minutes, lying down
    InBody wins
  • Radiation
    InBodyNone
    DEXALow-dose X-ray
    InBody wins
  • Typical cost
    InBody$40 per scan
    DEXA$80–$150 per scan
    InBody wins
  • Accuracy for tracking change
    InBodyExcellent — repeat weekly if you want
    DEXAExcellent — best used occasionally
    Even
  • Muscle & fat by segment
    InBodyArm / leg / trunk breakdown
    DEXAArm / leg / trunk breakdown
    Even
  • Visceral fat
    InBodyEstimated level (1–20+)
    DEXADirect measurement
    DEXA wins
  • Bone density (DXA scores)
    InBodyNot measured
    DEXAMeasured
    DEXA wins
  • Best for
    InBodyRegular tracking, coaching decisions
    DEXAOne-off medical snapshot
    Even
In depth

What each scan actually measures

InBody 570Multi-frequency BIA

Clinical-grade, radiation-free, 60 seconds

The InBody 570 sends tiny multi-frequency electrical currents through your body to measure water inside and outside your cells, then separates that into lean muscle, fat and water — arm by arm, leg by leg, trunk.

  • Stand on it in socks — no lying down, no scanner room
  • Segmental muscle & fat: catch left/right imbalances
  • Visceral fat level, phase angle, body water balance
  • Used by hospitals, elite sports teams and universities
  • Cheap enough to retest every 6 weeks
DEXADual-energy X-ray

Radiology-grade, best used occasionally

DEXA uses two low-dose X-ray beams to directly measure bone mineral, fat and lean tissue. It's the reference method for regional fat mass and bone density — but it lives in a radiology clinic.

  • Direct measurement of visceral fat and bone density
  • Regional fat and lean mass with high precision
  • Uses ionising radiation — limits how often you retest
  • $80–$150 per scan, booking window often days out
  • Requires a clinic visit, changing, lying still
Choose with confidence

Which one is right for you?

Choose InBody if…
  • You want to actually track progress — not just take one photo of your body
  • You're training for fat loss, muscle gain or performance
  • You'd rather spend $40 five times than $150 once
  • You want a coach interpreting the numbers, not a PDF you'll never open
  • You'd prefer not to be irradiated to weigh yourself
$40 InBody scan $199 full Blueprint
Choose DEXA if…
  • You need clinical bone-density data (osteopenia, osteoporosis screening)
  • You want one detailed radiology snapshot, once or twice a year
  • A doctor has specifically requested a DEXA
  • You're okay with a higher price and a clinic booking

Even DEXA users benefit from an InBody between scans — it's the cost-effective way to see if the plan is actually working.

Common questions

InBody vs DEXA — FAQ

Is InBody as accurate as DEXA?

For tracking changes in muscle, fat and water over time, clinical-grade multi-frequency BIA devices like the InBody 570 correlate strongly with DEXA. DEXA remains the reference for one-off regional bone and fat mass, but the InBody is highly reliable for the metrics most people actually train against.

Does DEXA use radiation?

Yes. A DEXA scan uses a small dose of ionising X-ray radiation. It's low, but non-zero — which is why the InBody is preferred for frequent re-testing every 6–12 weeks.

How much does each scan cost?

DEXA body composition scans in Sydney typically range from $80–$150 per scan. An InBody 570 scan at 6X Training is $40, or included with the 6X Body Blueprint ($199) which adds a full coach-led nutrition and training plan.

How often should I retest?

Every 6–12 weeks is ideal for tracking meaningful change. InBody's speed, price and lack of radiation make it the practical choice for that cadence; DEXA is better used as an occasional cross-reference.

Which should I choose?

If you want a one-off, radiology-grade snapshot with regional bone density data, DEXA. If you want an affordable, radiation-free, 60-second scan you can repeat regularly to actually guide training and nutrition — InBody. Most of our clients use InBody as their working tool.

Stop debating. Start measuring.

Get your baseline this week.

Book a $40 InBody scan, or go all-in with the $199 6X Body Blueprint — scan + full personalised nutrition plan + coach review.

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60-second scan · 319 Malabar Rd, Maroubra