What does this calculator do?

Not All DEXA Scanning Services are equal. Some services use a calibration called ‘NHANES’. The NHANES calculation does a normal DEXA Scan but then will reduce the Lean mass by 5.6% and will add this value to the fat mass. 

This calibration has been shown to give innacurate results and the scientific consensus as well as the manufacturer recommendation is that all DEXA Scanners should not use this calibration

So who is using this outdated method?

Sadly some services have not followed the current scientific consensus and have continued to use NHANES. In the UK, Bodyscan UK Ltd, which is based in Bank and Marylebone in London uses the NHANES calculation, as do some of the Harley Street clinics.

What should I do about my NHANES Scan?

Well, first use the calculator and understand that your real body fat percentage is not as high as the services above would have you believe. Personally then we would recommend finding and using a service that doesn’t use NHANES. My Vital Metrics has always and will always use the most up to date science available.