Body Composition Scan in Newburyport, MA: Seca®, an Alternative to DEXA
Want to know what your weight is made of?
What is a body composition scan at TruWellness?
We don’t offer DEXA scans. We offer a Seca® body composition scan, which uses bioelectrical impedance (a mild, painless electrical current, not X-rays) and takes about 5 minutes, standing. It measures your body composition, such as fat mass and muscle mass, and you take home a printed report, so you can track change on the same device over time.
- $50
- About 5 minutes, standing
- No X-rays
- Take-home printed report
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Su, MD, FAAFP, Medical Director · Updated October 2026
What is a Seca® body composition scan, and what does it measure?
It is a standing bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scan. A mild electrical current passes through your body, and the device estimates your body composition, such as fat mass and muscle mass, from how your body resists that current.[1]
A scale shows your total weight, not what that weight is made of. The number on the scale can’t tell fat from muscle. Repeat scans show how your body composition is changing, so you and your provider can see whether you are losing fat while keeping muscle.
In a 2017 study, seca medical bioelectrical impedance analyzers measured skeletal muscle mass with high accuracy compared with MRI.[2] You take home a printed report of your results.
Do you offer DEXA scans?
No. We don’t offer DEXA scans. We offer a Seca® body composition scan instead, which uses bioimpedance rather than X-rays. If you need a bone density test, DEXA is the standard method;[3] ask your primary care doctor about a referral.
Many people search for a “DEXA scan near me” when what they want is to track fat and muscle. If that’s you, a Seca® scan is a practical option: no X-rays, about 5 minutes, and repeat scans on the same device to follow your progress.
Seca® scan vs DEXA scan: how do they compare?
Both estimate body composition, but they work differently. DEXA uses a low dose of X-rays and is the standard test for bone density. A Seca® scan uses a mild electrical current, does not measure bone density and can be repeated to track change over time.
| Seca® body composition scan | DEXA scan | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Bioelectrical impedance: a mild electrical current passes through the body, and body composition is estimated from the body’s resistance to it.[1] | Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: a low dose of ionizing radiation (X-rays).[3] |
| X-rays or radiation | None | Yes, a low dose |
| Bone density | Not measured | The standard test for bone density[3] |
| Meals, fluids and exercise | Readings can shift with them, so scans should be taken under the same conditions each time[4][5][6] | Follow the imaging center’s instructions |
| Repeat tracking | Can be used for long-term tracking[7] | Because it uses radiation, its use should be medically justified, and it is not recommended for repeat measurements in healthy people[7] |
| Agreement | In studies comparing a seca bioimpedance device with DEXA, body fat percentage agreed with DEXA across groups of adults, but individual readings can differ, so the two methods are not interchangeable.[8][9][10][7] | |
Bottom line: if you want to track fat and muscle over time without X-rays, a Seca® scan is a practical choice. If you need your bone density measured, ask your doctor about a DEXA scan.
Who is the body composition scan for?
Anyone who wants to track fat and muscle rather than weight alone. It fits TruTrim weight loss, GLP-1 treatment, TruPerformance training and AgeWell longevity plans, and you can also book it on its own.
TruTrim
Track your progress beyond the number on the scale, so your provider can see whether you are losing fat while keeping muscle.
GLP-1 weight loss
Follow fat mass and muscle mass as your weight comes down on semaglutide or tirzepatide.
TruPerformance
For athletes, muscle versus fat matters more than the number on the scale. Pair it with VO2 max and RMR testing.
AgeWell
Add body composition to the fitness and physical function metrics in your longevity plan.
Want to know how many calories you burn at rest, too? Ask about RMR testing.
What happens during the scan?
The scan takes about 5 minutes and is done standing. You stand barefoot on the platform, in light clothing, and hold the hand electrodes while the scan runs. You take home a printed report of your results.
- Quick screeningWe confirm the scan is right for you, including asking about implanted electronic devices and pregnancy.
- Get readyUse the restroom, then take off your shoes and socks.
- ScanYou stand barefoot on the platform, hold the hand electrodes and stay still while the scan runs. It takes about 5 minutes.
- Your reportYou take home a printed report of your results to compare with future scans.
How do I prepare for consistent results?
Body composition readings can shift with meals, fluids, recent exercise and time of day, so the most useful comparisons come from scans taken under the same conditions each time.[4][5][6] Results from different body composition devices are not directly comparable, so compare scans taken on the same device.[11]
For consistent results
- Same time of day: book each scan at about the same time of day.[4][6][11]
- Same eating and drinking routine: keep to your normal routine that day, and avoid a large meal or an unusually large amount of fluid before your scan. A meal can lower impedance readings for 2 to 4 hours.[5][6][12]
- No alcohol: avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours beforehand.[4]
- Rested, not post-workout: avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 hours before your scan, and ideally 8 hours or more.[4][12]
- Empty bladder: use the restroom just before your scan.[4][12]
- Barefoot: the scan is done standing barefoot on the platform, so wear light clothing and shoes and socks that are easy to take off.[12]
- Menstrual cycle: if you menstruate, try to schedule follow-up scans in the same phase of your cycle.[4][11][13]
What do my results show, and how often should I rescan?
Your printed report shows your body composition, such as fat mass and muscle mass. We recommend rescanning every 6 months, or as often as your provider recommends, on the same device and under the same conditions.
Scans from different devices are not directly comparable. In one study, two bioimpedance devices gave different body fat readings for the same people,[8] so compare a Seca® scan with an earlier Seca® scan, not with a DEXA, InBody® or home scale reading.[11] At group level, bioimpedance has been found valid for following changes in fat mass and fat-free mass over time when body fluids are stable.[10]
Who should not have a bioimpedance scan?
Bioimpedance scans are not done on people with a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other electronic implant. If you are pregnant, talk to us before booking: the scan is only done after discussion with your provider.
- Not suitable: pacemakers, implanted defibrillators and other electronic implants, including a glucose sensor worn under the skin, and active (powered) prostheses.[14][4]
- Talk to us first: pregnancy or a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia). The scan is only done after discussion with your provider.[14][4]
- Metal implants: purely metal implants, such as hip or knee replacements or stents, do not affect the measurement, according to the manufacturer.[14]
Not sure whether the scan is right for you? Call (978) 233-9370 before you book.
Book a body composition scan in Newburyport
Book your Seca® body composition scan online or call (978) 233-9370. TruWellness is at 255 Low Street, Suite 303, Newburyport, MA 01950, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Address: 255 Low Street, Suite 303, Newburyport, MA 01950
- Phone: (978) 233-9370
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Book it on its own, or as part of TruTrim, TruPerformance or AgeWell.
Meet your providers
Dr. Mark Su, MD, FAAFP
Medical Director
Board-certified in Family Medicine and in practice since 2003. His specialty of interest focuses on causes of chronic inflammation.
Mary Ramsey Stuckey, PA‑C
Physician Assistant (PA‑C)
Her focus has grown into functional medicine, with particular interest in nutrition, gut health and hormones.
Body composition scan: common questions
Do you offer DEXA scans in Newburyport?
No. TruWellness does not offer DEXA scans. We offer a Seca® body composition scan, which uses bioimpedance instead of X-rays, takes about 5 minutes and measures body composition, such as fat mass and muscle mass. For a bone density test, ask your primary care doctor about a DEXA referral.
Is a Seca® scan as accurate as a DEXA scan?
They are not interchangeable. In studies comparing a seca bioimpedance device with DEXA, body fat percentage agreed with DEXA across groups of adults, but individual readings can differ.[8][9][7] For tracking your own progress, compare Seca® scans taken on the same device under the same conditions.
Does the scan use X-rays or measure bone density?
No. The Seca® scan uses a mild electrical current, not X-rays, and it does not measure bone density. DEXA uses a low dose of X-rays and is the standard test for bone density.[3]
How long does a body composition scan take?
About 5 minutes. The scan is done standing: you stand barefoot on the platform and hold the hand electrodes. You take home a printed report of your results.
How should I prepare for a body composition scan?
For consistent results, scan at the same time of day, keep your eating and drinking routine the same, avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours and strenuous exercise for at least 2 hours beforehand, empty your bladder just before the scan, and come ready to be scanned barefoot.[4][12]
How often should I get a body composition scan?
We recommend rescanning every 6 months, or as often as your provider recommends. You can book the scan on its own or as part of TruTrim, TruPerformance or AgeWell.
How much does a body composition scan cost?
Call (978) 233-9370 and our team will be happy to help.
Track what the scale can’t show
Book a 5-minute Seca® body composition scan on its own or as part of TruTrim, TruPerformance or AgeWell, and take home a printed report.
TruWellness · 255 Low Street, Suite 303, Newburyport, MA 01950 · Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
References
- Kyle UG, Bosaeus I, De Lorenzo AD, Deurenberg P, Elia M, Gómez JM, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis—part I: review of principles and methods. Clin Nutr. 2004;23(5):1226-1243. PMID: 15380917. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2004.06.004 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15380917/
- Bosy-Westphal A, Jensen B, Braun W, Pourhassan M, Gallagher D, Müller MJ. Quantification of whole-body and segmental skeletal muscle mass using phase-sensitive 8-electrode medical bioelectrical impedance devices. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(9):1061-1067. PMID: 28327564. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.27 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28327564/
- RadiologyInfo.org (American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America). Bone Density Scan (DEXA or DXA). Last reviewed March 11, 2024. www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dexa
- Kyle UG, Bosaeus I, De Lorenzo AD, Deurenberg P, Elia M, Manuel Gómez J, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis—part II: utilization in clinical practice. Clin Nutr. 2004;23(6):1430-1453. PMID: 15556267. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2004.09.012 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15556267/
- Slinde F, Rossander-Hulthén L. Bioelectrical impedance: effect of 3 identical meals on diurnal impedance variation and calculation of body composition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;74(4):474-478. PMID: 11566645. doi:10.1093/ajcn/74.4.474 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11566645/
- Dixon CB, Ramos L, Fitzgerald E, Reppert D, Andreacci JL. The effect of acute fluid consumption on measures of impedance and percent body fat estimated using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63(9):1115-1122. PMID: 19536161. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.42 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19536161/
- Dzator S, Weerasekara I, Shields M, Haslam R, James D. Agreement Between Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and Bioelectric Impedance Analysis for Assessing Body Composition in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin J Sport Med. 2023;33(5):557-568. PMID: 36853902. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000001136 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36853902/
- Lahav Y, Goldstein N, Gepner Y. Comparison of body composition assessment across body mass index categories by two multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis devices and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in clinical settings. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2021;75(8):1275-1282. PMID: 33483630. doi:10.1038/s41430-020-00839-5 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33483630/
- Day K, Kwok A, Evans A, Mata F, Verdejo-Garcia A, Hart K, et al. Comparison of a Bioelectrical Impedance Device against the Reference Method Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Anthropometry for the Evaluation of Body Composition in Adults. Nutrients. 2018;10(10):1469. PMID: 30308974. doi:10.3390/nu10101469 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30308974/
- Westerheim E, Øhman EA, Fossli M, Winkvist A, Henriksen HB, Brekke HK. Relative validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis in estimating body composition in women with overweight and obesity 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Food Nutr Res. 2025;69. PMID: 39974841. doi:10.29219/fnr.v69.10869 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39974841/
- Campa F, Toselli S, Mazzilli M, Gobbo LA, Coratella G. Assessment of Body Composition in Athletes: A Narrative Review of Available Methods with Special Reference to Quantitative and Qualitative Bioimpedance Analysis. Nutrients. 2021;13(5):1620. PMID: 34065984. doi:10.3390/nu13051620 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34065984/
- seca. What’s the appropriate way to measure body composition? seca application tips (manufacturer measurement guidance). us.secashop.com/knowledge/application-tips/whats-the-appropriate-way-to-measure-body-composition
- Gleichauf CN, Roe DA. The menstrual cycle’s effect on the reliability of bioimpedance measurements for assessing body composition. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;50(5):903-907. PMID: 2816797. doi:10.1093/ajcn/50.5.903 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2816797/
- seca. Customer Education Portal, FAQ: Are there any contraindications? (manufacturer guidance on bioimpedance measurements). www.seca.com/en_eh/support/technical-service/customer-education-portal/515/faq.html
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. The body composition scan does not measure bone density and is not a diagnostic test. Individual results vary. Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Su, MD, FAAFP, Medical Director.
