Should You Use Multiple Body Fat Tests or Stick With One?

Different Methods, Different Numbers — What Should You Trust?

If you’ve ever tried more than one body fat test — maybe a smart scale at home, an InBody at a gym, and a Fit3D scan — you’ve probably seen very different results.

It’s confusing. One says 18%. Another says 25%. A third says 21.5%.

So what should you believe? And is it better to try multiple tests, or just stick with one method consistently?

Here’s what we tell our members at Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca.

Why Every Test Gives You a Different Number

Each method uses a different way to estimate body fat. For example:

  • Smart scales use electrical currents (BIA), which are affected by hydration

  • Calipers rely on the tester’s skill and accuracy

  • DEXA scans use X-rays for precise breakdowns

  • Fit3D uses 3D imaging and body measurements

None of them are 100% perfect. What matters most is that you use the same method consistently, so you can actually track change.

The Problem with Mixing Test Types

Using multiple test methods might seem like you’re “double-checking,” but it often leads to:

  • Conflicting results

  • Confusion about what’s working

  • Doubt in your own progress

  • Stress over chasing the “right” number

You might end up spinning your wheels, changing your plan not because your body changed, but because the data confused you.

Why Sticking With One Method (Like Fit3D) Works Best

With Fit3D, you get:

  • Consistency across all scans

  • Visual progress with your 3D avatar

  • Body fat, lean mass, circumference, posture, and more

  • A dashboard that tracks your trends over time

  • Zero guessing, just clean data and real feedback

Whether the number says 23% or 20% doesn’t matter as much as whether it’s moving in the right direction.

When It Might Make Sense to Do a Second Test

There are some cases when comparing methods is helpful:

  • You’re prepping for a medical procedure that requires DEXA

  • You want to compare Fit3D to a previous method you used

  • You’re doing a one-time baseline check with a different tool

But for weekly or monthly use? Stick to one method.

Final Thought

Your goal isn’t to chase a “perfect number.”

Your goal is to measure real change, stay motivated, and know when your plan is working.

That’s what Fit3D does best, and why most people see their best results when they stop bouncing between tools and start tracking with confidence.

Fit3D vs DEXA Scan: What’s the Best Body Fat Test for You?

Two Powerful Tools — But Built for Different Goals

If you’re researching body fat testing, you’ve probably come across DEXA scans and Fit3D scans. Both are high-tech, and both promise detailed insight into your body composition.

But they’re not the same. One is a medical-grade diagnostic tool, the other is a fitness and progress-tracking solution.

At Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca, we offer Fit3D because it works for real people looking to make healthy, sustainable changes, without the hospital price tag or being exposed to radiation.

Here’s how they compare.

What’s a DEXA Scan?

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a medical imaging test originally used to assess bone density. It’s also extremely precise at measuring:

  • Body fat percentage

  • Lean muscle mass

  • Fat distribution

  • Bone mineral content

But it’s only available in medical or research settings. You’ll typically need to schedule an appointment at a clinic or radiology center.

What’s a Fit3D Scan?

Fit3D is a non-medical, 3D body scanning system that uses infrared cameras to measure:

  • Body shape and circumference

  • Body fat estimate

  • Posture and symmetry

  • Visual changes over time

It creates a private 3D model of your body and tracks changes between scans, all in less than a minute.

Fit3D vs DEXA: How They Compare

Accuracy

  • DEXA: Highly precise for clinical measurement

  • Fit3D: Great for consistent tracking and visual change

Availability

  • DEXA: Requires a medical clinic or research center

  • Fit3D: Available at Excel Health & Fitness — no referral needed

Comfort

  • DEXA: Lie still on a table for 6 to 10 minutes

  • Fit3D: Stand on a rotating platform for 60 seconds

Cost

  • DEXA: $75 to $150+ per scan

  • Fit3D: $35 for Excel members, $49 for non-members

Best For

  • DEXA: Medical use, clinical accuracy, or specific diagnoses

  • Fit3D: Ongoing fitness tracking, non-medical progress, visual change

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re:

  • Diagnosed with a bone condition

  • Needing exact fat/muscle breakdown for a medical reason

  • Willing to spend $100+ for a single snapshot

Then DEXA might be worth it.

But if you want:

  • A consistent, affordable way to track your body

  • Clear visuals and data to stay motivated

  • Something easy to repeat every month

Then Fit3D is the smarter long-term tool.

Why We Use Fit3D at Excel

Most of our members don’t need a medical diagnosis. They just want to:

  • See if their hard work is paying off

  • Watch their shape change month to month

  • Get motivated by real, visual proof

That’s exactly what Fit3D delivers, without the high cost or clinic vibe.

Why Does Every Body Fat Test Give Me a Different Result? (Explained Clearly)

You’ve Probably Seen It Happen

You try one test and it says 24%. Another says 30%. Then you step on a smart scale at home and get a third number entirely.

It’s frustrating, and honestly, it makes you wonder if any of it is accurate.

At Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca, we explain this all the time. The truth is: different body fat tests use different technology, and they’re all measuring in slightly different ways.

Let’s break down why the numbers don’t always match — and which ones actually matter.

3 Reasons Body Fat Tests Don’t Agree

1. Each Test Uses a Different Method

  • BIA devices (like smart scales or handhelds) use electrical currents

  • Calipers estimate based on skinfold thickness

  • DEXA scans use low-dose X-ray imaging

  • Fit3D uses infrared cameras to scan your body shape

Each one is based on a different formula and assumption — so they naturally produce different numbers.

2. Your Body Changes Hour by Hour

Even if you used the same machine twice in one day, you might get slightly different results depending on:

  • What you ate or drank

  • How hydrated you are

  • Time of day

  • Whether you just exercised

That’s why we recommend testing under similar conditions each time (same time of day, same hydration, etc).

3. Not All Machines Are Calibrated the Same

Some commercial gyms and clinics don’t regularly update or calibrate their machines, which can lead to off readings. At Excel, our Fit3D scanner is maintained and consistent, so when you retest, you’re getting reliable comparisons.

So Which One Should You Trust?

Here’s what we tell our members:

Don’t chase the “perfect” number. Look for a consistent trend from the same method.

If your Fit3D scan says 30% body fat and three weeks later it says 28%, that’s progress, even if another machine would give you a different starting point.

Pick one method and stick with it. That’s the only way to measure real change.

Why We Chose Fit3D at Excel

We picked Fit3D because it’s:

  • Consistent from scan to scan

  • Doesn’t rely on your hydration or meal timing

  • Gives a full visual and numerical breakdown

  • Easy to use regularly without stress

Whether you’re trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or just track progress, it helps you stay focused on trends, not random numbers.