DEXA Body Composition & Bone Density
Malta's clinical gold standard for bone health and full body composition scans.
Screen for osteoporosis, detect early bone loss, and map regional muscle and fat distribution with medical-grade precision.
At our modern clinic in Naxxar, LifeScan.mt offers state-of-the-art DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning using our advanced Stratos pencil-beam DEXA scanner. As the clinical gold standard for measuring bone mineral density and screening for osteoporosis, our scans are essential for women approaching or in menopause monitoring bone loss, as well as individuals with a family history of bone disease or those on long-term steroid therapy.
Beyond bone health, our medical-grade full body composition DEXA scan in Malta provides an unmatched regional analysis of fat, visceral adipose tissue, and lean muscle mass. Every scan is performed with extremely low radiation, is reported by a qualified consultant radiologist, and results are issued the same day—giving you the definitive clinical accuracy you need to guide your fitness, medical, or lifestyle plans.
Why weight alone doesn't tell the whole story
Many people wonder: "If I'm getting fitter, why isn't my weight changing?" The answer is simple — muscle is denser and heavier than fat. As you exercise and improve your health, the number on the scale may stay the same, or even increase, while your body becomes leaner and stronger.
A DEXA scan helps you see the difference. It reveals your internal transformation, even when the scale hasn't moved.
Visceral Fat: what's hidden can hurt you
At our clinic, we pay special attention to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the deep fat surrounding your organs that's linked to serious health conditions:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Certain cancers
Our DEXA scan quantifies this hidden fat and helps you track improvements over time. VAT below 100 cm² is typically considered low risk — but the lower the better.
What you'll learn from your scan
- Total body fat percentage and regional fat distribution
- Lean muscle mass with regional detail (to assess symmetry and screen for sarcopenia)
- Whole-body bone mineral density with clinical T-score, Z-score, and bone density chart
- Visceral fat level (VAT) to evaluate metabolic risk
- Adipose tissue distribution (android/gynoid ratio)
- Comparison trends over time when scanned regularly
Who should consider a DEXA scan?
- Women approaching or in menopause monitoring bone loss
- Post-menopausal women tracking bone mineral density
- Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis
- Patients on long-term steroids (GP referral screening)
- Anyone tracking fitness, muscle symmetry, or weight loss
- Athletes optimising regional muscle mass and body fat distribution
- People concerned about visceral fat, metabolic risk, or sarcopenia
How does it work?
Using our clinical-grade Stratos pencil-beam DEXA scanner, the scan takes just 6–8 minutes and is completely painless.
You will simply lie flat on a padded table while the scanner arm passes over you. There is no preparation required, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or underwiring.
Schedule a DEXA Scan Appointment
Select a DEXA service below to book your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding DEXA scans, safety levels, and results reporting.
Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes. It is one of the lowest-dose imaging procedures in clinical use. The effective radiation dose is just 0.02 μSv, which is less than 5 minutes of natural background radiation, over 1,000 times less than a standard chest X-ray, and far less than the cosmic radiation from a short return flight.
How does the full body composition DEXA scan work?
Our full body composition DEXA scan in Malta covers regional fat, lean muscle mass, and bone density. The scan takes just 6–8 minutes, is completely painless, and requires no special preparation. You simply lie down on a flat padded table while the scanner arm passes over you. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or underwiring.
Do I need a doctor's referral for an osteoporosis or body composition DEXA scan?
No. You can book a DEXA bone density or body composition scan directly online without a referral for screening or fitness purposes. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, we will email your report so you can share it with your doctor.
When will I receive my DEXA scan results?
Your report is issued the same day. You will receive a detailed PDF report detailing your bone density T-scores or body composition percentages (fat, lean muscle, and visceral fat) via email.