For lovers of ” weight, “the scale that also calculates fat mass and bone mass is a must-have that is unmissable. Yes, because it’s not just a simple scale, but also an excellent motivator to try to stay fit. We bet that once you try, it will become your indispensable ally in maintaining a healthy diet and achieving consistent gym workouts, or in tracking your weight online.
All this makes sense only if the measurement of the various parameters is reliable. Let’s examine how these particular scales function, whether they provide accurate data, and which models are the best to purchase during Black Friday Deals.
Body Weight Bathroom Scale: How they are made/ what they should do
At first glance, the scales, which also measure fat and bone mass, appear to be standard scales that weigh people, but with an additional button. Their size and shape are standard, and the display is positioned at the top to display all helpful information. But let’s go in order. These latest generation digital scales have a square shape, sometimes slightly rectangular, and their thickness never exceeds that of a pair of fingers, 0.7″.
In the upper part, like all scales that weigh people, an LCD display is used, which, in some models, can also be backlit to provide a clear display even in low-light conditions. In these scale models, the LCD display not only indicates the weight but also other data, such as water content, bone mass, fat and lean mass, calories consumed, and BMI, ie, the weight index that a person should maintain based on age and height.
In some models, next to the display, there are buttons to set what you want to display. For example, the weight is shown first, and by clicking the following button, you can switch to the display of fat, lean mass, bone mass, and other metrics.
All the numbers on the screen appear very large, allowing for a clear display, even without needing to bend down to read them more easily. We have noticed that most models are very stable and adhere perfectly to the surface, thanks to the four small feet fixed to the four sides of the scale. Most models on the market work with 2 or 3 AAA model batteries.
Working of the Body Weight Bathroom Scale
Once the scale is turned on, the first thing to do is enter your data manually: usually, they are required height, age, and sex, and once stored the scale will give a progressive number to each user so you can store the data and customize them every time: in most models, it is possible to memorize up to 12 different people, sometimes using the initials of the name to memorize them. These data serve the internal computer for calculating various parameters.
At this point, it will be sufficient to step on the scale to obtain your weight, along with the calculation of fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and calories, as well as your BMI.
But that’s the working principle? In addition to measuring weight, these scales typically have an “impedance” system that passes an imperceptible electrical current into the body and, by measuring electrical parameters, determines its composition.
They should always be used barefoot to create the electric bridge through the metal plates placed on the platform. The most advanced models also feature a removable handlebar that must be held in hand during measurement. By measuring the impendingness from all four body ends instead of just the feet, you obtain more reliable values, but these are typically found in more expensive models.
Once you have obtained your result, in many models, the scale will re-propose the latest measurements so you can compare them. We suggest noting the data of each measurement in a table to keep track of changes in your body, which is particularly useful if you are following a diet and want to control your weight accurately.
Some models can even synchronize with a smartphone through a special app and automatically manage the storage of data history, which we will explore further below.
What is measured?
Here is a list of the various body parameters that these scales can measure. In the analysis of the models presented below, we will outline what each recommended model measures.
- Bodyweight (like a standard scale)
- Body fat rate (this is the most useful parameter, which is measured by all impedance scales)
- Visceral fat rate (harmful, is the fat that surrounds the internal organs)
- Subcutaneous fat rate
- Water mass rate
- Rate of muscle mass
- Bone/mineral mass rate
- Metabolic age. IMC or BMI – Body Mass Index (indicates the relationship between weight and height; optimal values are between 18.5 and 25)
- Daily calorie consumption
The products on the market
There are many types of impedance scales on the market. What we notice at first glance is that most models leave little room for design, being primarily not furniture items, such as a simple bathroom scale, but rather fundamental fitness tools.
However, some models are made of leather to provide the user with greater comfort once they are climbed on; others are created in frosted glass. In contrast, others feature transparent back-painted glass that reveals the underlying components, such as stainless steel finishes, for an even more avant-garde design.
The dimensions of the models are all similar; the scale must have the minimum dimensions that allow a person to climb over it comfortably. Bathroom scales are usually around 12″ x 30″, while the height can vary from 0.7″ to 2″ in the case of higher scales.
For users who do not want to lose even a given weight, (e.g., those who follow slimming diets and GFI athletes who must remain under a certain weight), we find some models equipped with Bluetooth: once weighed, the balance will transmit weight and the indexes to your smartphone, so that the results are stored in the reference app, without any effort or forgetfulness.
In this way, you can also track the progress of your body. The app to download varies depending on the model of the scale chosen, since each one relies on different software. The main genres are all compatible with classic iOS and Android devices. If you plan to use them with other apps, such as Runtastic or Garmin, please note that they are generally not synchronized, and you cannot collaborate with them.
Ultimately, are these scales functional?
The actual usefulness of the measured parameters is subjective. Still, the indication of fat mass is undoubtedly a handy parameter, even more important than body weight, for those following a diet and for all those who want to stay fit.
However, we reiterate that everything is in vain if the measure is not reliable. We must admit that it is challenging to make objective comparisons for measuring these parameters. Still, comparing the values obtained with various models, we found a certain uniformity, a sign that the measure is quite reliable.
We hypothesize that there is a certain margin of error in determining body masses. However, the use is mainly compared to the previous measurements, or if what is needed is the trend, we can affirm that they are reliable instruments.
Or at least, those we suggest below. Speaking of ease of use, it must be noted that the use is simple, even for those who are little accustomed to technology, and the price of average models is not excessively high compared to typical weighing scales. The question that comes to mind is this: why renounce keeping under control all the indices of the body when the price is similar to that of standard scales?
Recommended models of Body Weight Bathroom Scale
The choice of body weight bathroom scales with fat mass indicators (and other body parameters) is quite broad, and the models all look alike. Not all are of high quality, and this results in rough calculations of the parameters, with even significant changes between consecutive measurements. To avoid an unusable purchase, stick to the models we recommend. Here they are!
Beurer
We now introduce a model featuring Bluetooth technology, available at an attractive price. The design of this scale is truly captivating and refined: with transparent glass painted black and featuring stainless steel details, it makes for an object that, in our opinion, is best displayed rather than stored under a cabinet.
Its dimensions are 11.8 x 11.8 x 9.1 inches; it operates on three AAA batteries and can be set up for eight different users. The scale calculates weight, fat mass, percentage of body water, muscle mass, and bone mass, in addition to the AMR/BMR caloric indicator. It is also possible to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The LCD display is backlit, and once the user has been set up, it stores the three letters of the name. The results can be displayed in kg or lb.
The maximum capacity is 400lb/180kg, with excellent precision, and comes on instantly with one touch. The same applies to the shutdown: after a few minutes of inactivity, the scale switches itself off. The balance is based on the Beurer Health Manager app, which allows you to store data transmitted from the scale and other devices, such as sleep levels, blood sugar levels, and sports activities performed. The app is available for both Android and iOS.
>>> Where to buy a Beurer Body Weight Scale?
Etekcity
Additionally, the design is quite captivating, with the scale crafted from tempered black back-painted glass, where the stainless steel, which conceals the electrodes, stands out. The LCD display is backlit and visible even without bending down, indicating the weight in Kg or lb, in addition to all other mass results. A small indicator also informs when it is time to change the batteries.
At first glance, the scale “remembers ” the fitness world, so it acts as a motivator for the person who uses it and is not seen as a bitter enemy to hide behind. The dimensions are standard: we are talking about 11.8 x 11.8 x 1 inch. Additionally, the operation is powered by 3 AAA batteries supplied with the package.
This scale can store up to 13 different users, and each will be assigned an identification number, to accurately calculate the changes of the body of each without errors: it calculates, in addition to weight, fat mass, the content of water, bone mass, muscle mass, calories and the value of BMI. When the result has been calculated, the user sees the number flash. The maximum capacity is 400 pounds/180 kilograms. It’s a good solution among the more affordable ones.
>>> Where to buy Etekcity Body Weight Scale?
Omron
Here it starts to get serious! Omron is a Japanese brand specializing in electro-medical products that offers us a higher level of balance at an affordable price. It is characterized by the presence of “handlebars” with electrodes that make measurements of body parameters much more accurate. The interesting thing is that it can still be used as a standard scale for quick measurements.
Among its parameters, it accurately measures the percentage of body and visceral fat, the BMI index, and the percentage of skeletal muscles, in addition to weight. It is not aesthetically pleasing and is not immediately in use, but for us, it is undoubtedly one of the best impedance scales to purchase. We have chosen this for our daily use!
