The importance of a "BMI Scale"

adross3

A Body Mass Index or BMI measurement

Is a measurement of Fat, Muscle, Water and Bone. A BMI scale sends electrical impulses thru your feet (can't feel it). It is not an exact science but fairly close. Amazon.com or eBay have great deals. I picked mine up on eBay for $21. But, it was back at the bottom of the recession. Probably a bit more now. You will get what you pay for.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Except thru surgery. It can only be transformed from one form to another. You don’t gain weight spontaneously, it takes excess energy or calories past your daily burn rate.

Most people just have a weight scale. It just measures your weight. What most people don't realize is that their weight consists of 4 measurements.

1. Fat
2. Muscle
3. Bone
4. Water

Your whole body runs on energy. When you loose weight from eating fewer calories that your body needs to maintain your weight, it forces your body to use stored energy from either "Fat" or "Muscle". Neither is in the “safe zone” when loosing weight.

All of a sudden they find themselves in a plateau. What is happening most likely, is that their body is retaining/loosing water, growing/loosing muscle and increasing/decreasing their bone density. Your body is trying to keep up with the physical demands you are putting it thru.

I have found myself in this plateau. Then I looked at my BMI measurements. I find that my fat is still decreasing, slightly. But, my bone, water and muscle have increased. This puts a whole new perspective on my weight loss. It's not just “fat” you’re loosing, but body structure that is fluctuating also.

Look at your diet plan. Do you run, lift weights, hike or do nothing. This will all have an impact on what grows or dissipates from your body. I run and lift free weights. I put my body thru a pounding. Not in a bad way. My result is fat loss, muscle gain and bone density. I get a most of my bone density because of the running. I get a small muscle gain because of my free weights. If I did not do free weights, my muscle would probably be at a negative. (Remember…your body is forced to use stored energy, fat and/or muscle when at a calorie deficit). If I was at a maintenance level I would of gained more muscle, because of the calorie equality.

So when looking at your specific goals, be aware that you’re whole body is going thru a change. Not just fat. This is why I prefer a BMI scale.


Invest in your future. Invest in yourself.

Acg67

a scale that uses BIA to measure bodyfat is highly unreliable for accurate readings. if you really wanted accurate readings DEXA scan or BodPod testing produces much more accurate results

starwhisperer

I just did the bodpod, odd machine that. The fun part is I get to go in every 30 days to see how I have progressed. I am excited to see this next time because i have upped my time in the weight room.

porffor

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

schobert101

I think you are confusing BMI with body fat percentage. Scales don't measure BMI. The BMI is a calculation based only on height and weight. The bioimpedence scales are supposed to measure body fat% which is different. I have one but it varies so much depending on time of day and hydration status that to me it is not helpful because it is so inconsistent.

adross3

a scale that uses BIA to measure bodyfat is highly unreliable for accurate readings. if you really wanted accurate readings DEXA scan or BodPod testing produces much more accurate results

I agree 100%. An inherant problem occures. Cost, Money, Duckets and let us not forget Cash. Your ripped. You are looking for an exact costly science to get ripped and be healthy. Most people just want to judge their journey. Please consider more angles and write them down also. Congrats on your ripptitude. My journey is near.

Acg67

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

there are simply too many variables (hydration, temperature etc) to a BIA test that gives such a wide range of readings, a better way would be to get a set of calipers and always measure yourself the same way, while the accuracy is also dependent on the skill of the tester, you will know if certain skinfolds are decreasing ie fat loss

adross3

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

How much does the bodypod cost. I check my BMI every week. If I did the bodypod every week, what would it cost me. Ya know, you spend time writing a good article about a scale and the police come out. But, they do not look at all angles. Notice every polieman is in great shape. A lot of people aren't there yet and don't want to pay the cashola.

adross3

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

there are simply too many variables (hydration, temperature etc) to a BIA test that gives such a wide range of readings, a better way would be to get a set of calipers and always measure yourself the same way, while the accuracy is also dependent on the skill of the tester, you will know if certain skinfolds are decreasing ie fat loss

all right policeman. How about writing an article on your bodypod. That is what would be informative. Don't forget to add the cost for a weekly check. The reason for this article was because somebody emailed me and asked what this type of measurment was. I think that most people don't know the exact science. That is why they are here. Hell, I've learned leaps and bounds and the results were amazing.

Now when you do, make sure you detail every last aspect. Each test results of the bodypod can be used to assimulate a plan of eating and exercise to get peak performance. Sounds like a great article. Very detailed. Sounds like a next level for people who have achieved a greater understanding of body performance.

$40 X 4 = $160 a month. ........ 1 bmi scale $40. This was my point. Then every 3 months go get a more expensive test. Then compare the two. I would love to know. Any knowledge on this. 1 comment does not make a mean.

Acg67

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

How much does the bodypod cost. I check my BMI every week. If I did the bodypod every week, what would it cost me. Ya know, you spend time writing a good article about a scale and the police come out. But, they do not look at all angles. Notice every polieman is in great shape. A lot of people aren't there yet and don't want to pay the cashola.

BodPod costs vary on location but usually $40ish is the avg. the problem with recommending such a scale, is that people get discouraged when the scale doesn't move or they gain some water weight, depending on a number of factors a scale using BIA could tell a person their bf% increased really discouraging them among other things.

my comment was only to make people aware that the accuracy of them is not very good

aebuchan

BMI is a hoax, according to the BMI and my last body fat test, I would have to get down to 0% (zero!) percent body fat AND take off 5 lbs of lean mass to be at the top end of my healthy BMI range.
In short I would have to be dead to make BMI.
NPR did an interesting story on it in 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106268439

Best options if you can't get to a dunk tank/don't have the cash to pay. Find a place that will do a skin fold test.

adross3

BMI is a hoax, according to the BMI and my last body fat test, I would have to get down to 0% (zero!) percent body fat AND take off 5 lbs of lean mass to be at the top end of my healthy BMI range.
In short I would have to be dead to make BMI.
NPR did an interesting story on it in 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106268439

Best options if you can't get to a dunk tank/don't have the cash to pay. Find a place that will do a skin fold test.

My BMI scale has been perfect. It has progressively scaled each time. It has given me an understanding of the structure of my body. Like I said, it is not an exact science. My scale has never given me a bad reading. Maybe somebody knocked down your height. Put in the wrong height and you become fatter.

porffor

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

there are simply too many variables (hydration, temperature etc) to a BIA test that gives such a wide range of readings, a better way would be to get a set of calipers and always measure yourself the same way, while the accuracy is also dependent on the skill of the tester, you will know if certain skinfolds are decreasing ie fat loss

Thanks - I know mine will still be high but I ride 4-5 times a week so have muscles just still losing, I wanted to start 'watching' my muscle mass to be sure I keep it or add more. I'm hitting the uni gym while I can't ride so hoping to build on that, I'll see if there is a caliper test there, or go on a 'poor accuracy' till I'm nearer goal.

adross3

I think you are confusing BMI with body fat percentage. Scales don't measure BMI. The BMI is a calculation based only on height and weight. The bioimpedence scales are supposed to measure body fat% which is different. I have one but it varies so much depending on time of day and hydration status that to me it is not helpful because it is so inconsistent.

Yes it does measure differently thru out the day. You should always measure yourself in the morning. Your weight will depend upon the process of consumption vs. burning. If your body has finished with it conversion process then this is its true weight. Otherwise you are measuring what your ate. That's how you finish your statement.

starwhisperer

Use what you have for sure! I would think the scale has to be more accurate than just guessing for sure, and I am the cheapest person ever so I can totally understand not wanting to pay 40 a week! Eek I only go because it is offered here on post to military families.

lexgem

I have one, and while it isn't perfectly accurate, I agree with you that it's a useful tool to get an idea of general trends as long as you always weigh yourself under similar conditions.

adross3

Use what you have for sure! I would think the scale has to be more accurate than just guessing for sure, and I am the cheapest person ever so I can totally understand not wanting to pay 40 a week! Eek I only go because it is offered here on post to military families.

Thank you. Great comment.

adross3

Did you notice that not one person commented on the process that your body goes thru in a diet. If you understand this, then you are in or starting a better journey to fitness and weightloss. There are levels of understanding past this one.

Invest in your future. Invest in yourself.

adross3

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

there are simply too many variables (hydration, temperature etc) to a BIA test that gives such a wide range of readings, a better way would be to get a set of calipers and always measure yourself the same way, while the accuracy is also dependent on the skill of the tester, you will know if certain skinfolds are decreasing ie fat loss

Thanks - I know mine will still be high but I ride 4-5 times a week so have muscles just still losing, I wanted to start 'watching' my muscle mass to be sure I keep it or add more. I'm hitting the uni gym while I can't ride so hoping to build on that, I'll see if there is a caliper test there, or go on a 'poor accuracy' till I'm nearer goal.

Great comment of trying to maintain muscle during a diet.

tigersword

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

I have a scale that measures body fat. It says my body fat percentage is 34%. Every other test I have done, between my gym, my doctor, and even online calculators all put my body fat at about 22%. I'd call that way beyond a reasonable range of error.

Also, these scales have a terrible time trying to differentiate between water and fat. Your hydration level has a huge impact on the reading on these scales

And finally, Body Mass Index has absolutely nothing to do with body fat. Its just a ratio between height and weight, it doesn't take body composition into account at all, and has even been stated by the creator as being absolutely useless to an individual, it's only useful for the purpose it was designed, which is large population studies.

JNick77

I'm kind of iffy on the whole BMI Scale. You can be a 250lb 6' tall athlete with less than 10% bodyfat and be obese on a standard BMI scale. Heck the last time I was in the doctor's office it said I was obese. I have some weight to lose but I'm surely not obese. Sure even somebody that is very heavy for their height with low bodyfat can be too heavy and stress their heart but I think BMI is far too loosely used to measure a person's healthy weight.

adross3

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

I have a scale that measures body fat. It says my body fat percentage is 34%. Every other test I have done, between my gym, my doctor, and even online calculators all put my body fat at about 22%. I'd call that way beyond a reasonable range of error.

Also, these scales have a terrible time trying to differentiate between water and fat. Your hydration level has a huge impact on the reading on these scales

And finally, Body Mass Index has absolutely nothing to do with body fat. Its just a ratio between height and weight, it doesn't take body composition into account at all, and has even been stated by the creator as being absolutely useless to an individual, it's only useful for the purpose it was designed, which is large population studies.

I have some questions. How tall are you. What is your muscle mass. For a guy that weights 224 lbs must be very strong. I remember being 24% body fat and I also remember the belly that I had. Now my BMI scale says 12.6% body fat and my stomach is virtually flat with some fairly good abs definition. For you to weight 224 lbs would mean that you are 6' 8" or very, very big muscular body. Arnold Schartenegger Weight: 235 pounds; Height: 6 feet 2 inches. I weigh 177.6 and 5' 11"

tigersword

My LBM is 174 pounds. I'm 5'7.

arewethereyet

So here is what I will do for you! I am FAT....not just overweight, but have given up my exercise due to a nasty divorce. Now I am at the point where I want....want...to take care of ME.

A experiment is just the thing I need to get my fat *kitten* off the couch.

Can you reccommend a scale under 50 bux? I will weigh in once a week, log my food and exercise here, and also let you know my 'scale' weight.

Will be interesting to see how it works. My BFP with the trainer and calipers (she admits she sux at the calipers) was *gulp* 44%. That will go down very quickly with exercise, weight lifting and eating foods good for my body.

Any suggestions for my experiment?

adross3

So here is what I will do for you! I am FAT....not just overweight, but have given up my exercise due to a nasty divorce. Now I am at the point where I want....want...to take care of ME.

A experiment is just the thing I need to get my fat *kitten* off the couch.

Can you reccommend a scale under 50 bux? I will weigh in once a week, log my food and exercise here, and also let you know my 'scale' weight.

Will be interesting to see how it works. My BFP with the trainer and calipers (she admits she sux at the calipers) was *gulp* 44%. That will go down very quickly with exercise, weight lifting and eating foods good for my body.

Any suggestions for my experiment?

Go to amazon.com You will find many scales. I would pick one around $40. I think that when it comes to a scale you get what you pay for. The cheaper parts are used to create a cheaper scale.

crisanderson27

Do body fat scales not give you an indication though? every measuring tool has a range of 'error' that is acceptable but surely it's better to have an 'idea' of your body fat reading if you can't access something like a bodypod?

I have a scale that measures body fat. It says my body fat percentage is 34%. Every other test I have done, between my gym, my doctor, and even online calculators all put my body fat at about 22%. I'd call that way beyond a reasonable range of error.

Also, these scales have a terrible time trying to differentiate between water and fat. Your hydration level has a huge impact on the reading on these scales

And finally, Body Mass Index has absolutely nothing to do with body fat. Its just a ratio between height and weight, it doesn't take body composition into account at all, and has even been stated by the creator as being absolutely useless to an individual, it's only useful for the purpose it was designed, which is large population studies.

I have some questions. How tall are you. What is your muscle mass. For a guy that weights 224 lbs must be very strong. I remember being 24% body fat and I also remember the belly that I had. Now my BMI scale says 12.6% body fat and my stomach is virtually flat with some fairly good abs definition. For you to weight 224 lbs would mean that you are 6' 8" or very, very big muscular body. Arnold Schartenegger Weight: 235 pounds; Height: 6 feet 2 inches. I weigh 177.6 and 5' 11"

Well, calculate me. 175lbs, 5'7". My $93 craptastic bodyfat scale still can't tell me within any reasonable margin what my body fat percentage is...but for the most part it agrees with itself that I'm somewhere between 29% and 40%, during any given 5 minutes. They're a hoax. The only way they're even repeatable if you step on, then off again, is because the less expensive ones have a memory...so you think you got an accurate measurement. Mine varies as much as 11% from ONE measurement, step off...then step on for the NEXT measurement.

My calipers tell me I'm 18% right now...no matter how many times I measure. Matter of fact, the more times you measure, the closer to accurate my $8 calipers from Amazon will be once you've averaged the numbers.

Imagine that.

By the way...sorry for the absolutely blatant sarcasm...but this whole thread is full of misinformation...and you've repeatedly ignored anyone trying to tell you so in anything resembling a polite manner, while latching on to anyone who even remotely seems to be agreeing with you.

So I simply thought I'd try another angle.

Jesung

I would second the use of skinfold caliper. As long as you're consistent in where you are measuring, you'll know if you're making progress or not. As others mentioned, electronic scales aren't very accurate in measuring your body composition.

tigersword

Oh yeah, not only does my scale tell me my body fat percentage is 12% higher than every other test, it tells me I'm chronically dehydrated as well. My blood work and urinalysis disagrees with the scale. From what I've read, most of these scales are off by about 10-15%.

Oh, and $40 IS a cheap electronic scale. Top of the line models will run in the hundreds of dollars.

adross3

Oh yeah, not only does my scale tell me my body fat percentage is 12% higher than every other test, it tells me I'm chronically dehydrated as well. My blood work and urinalysis disagrees with the scale. From what I've read, most of these scales are off by about 10-15%.

Oh, and $40 IS a cheap electronic scale. Top of the line models will run in the hundreds of dollars.

You must have a defective model. I have had no problems with my Taylor. It has been consistant and progressive. I do not condone or downplay the exactness of the professional methods. I have done one in the past and I was 11% BF. I know what I looked like then and now I am 12.8% and I can tell that it is propably spot on.

So, I'm sorry that your method did not work out for you. The caliper is also a good method, if you want to caliper every body part every week. I'll pass on that. My past tests and my scale look very comparable.

Have a good day. By the way. Write a article on your method. I'm sure people would love to hear more than mine is better. Details man....Details......

tigersword

Also reducing the reliability of this method is the variation between models of the BIA devices: for instance when comparing outputs from a Tanita scale to an Omron Body Logic handheld device the Tanita scale overestimated the percentage body fat in college-aged men by 40% and in college-aged women by 55%

I'm not talking anecdotal evidence. The method that the scales use is inaccurate, so the scales themselves, by default, are not accurate. That's the only point I'm trying to make. Most of these types of scales have trouble telling the difference between body fat and water. Also, sometimes they recognize some internal organs as fat. Like I said, my particular scale happens to measure my body fat 12% higher and my hydration level about 12% lower, so it's a wash. However, if my scale didn't give hydration numbers and just body fat, I'd never know that, and if I had never tested any other method, I'd have a very incorrect view of my body composition. Information is power, and more information is always better than less information.

jeffg1013

Caveat Emptor!

Just need to mention that the Tanita "electronic BFI" scale is total bulls---. It has these metal foot pads that are supposed to send a mild electric current through you to "measure body composition" and detect your BFI. It's a total scam - a cheap gimmick to sell the product.

As a simple b.s. test I did the following:

1) Weighed myself and let the scale "scan" me with it magic electric current. Weight = 190lbs (accurate), BFI = 24%
2) Picked up two 10lb dumbells and weighed myself again. This time "weight" = 210lbs (of course), but by some voodoo magic my BFI suddenly shot up to 31% !! Just because I was holding onto 20lbs of dumbells and the scale thought I was now 210lbs!

So, there is nothing special about the Tanita BFI scale. It just takes your gender, age, and height that you manually program into it, plus your weight reading and performs a simple mathematical calculation. No electronic 'scanning', no magic 'body composition' analysis. It just plugs in whatever your weight is into the built-in formula and spits out a BFI number.