Scales that measure body fat and water percentage...

MandaJean83

Hey all...

The scale I currently own is a very basic digital scale. I am thinking of upgrading to one that measures body fat percentage and body water percentage? Is this a true claim, and worth the money? Or is it just a gimmick to charge more for a scale?

Anyone have any info on how accurate these scales truly are? Any input would be helpful...

Thanks!!!

Amanda

Huskeryogi

I got a weight watcher's version for $30-$40 at Target that I like. They can be off by a fair amount, but mine has always been consistent. The first time I stepped on it it said 30.1% (June). Now it reads (25.6%). I don't know for sure if those are accurate BF% but I think the loss is accurate and that's what I was trying to measure.

Maggie_Pie1

I have two scales that both measure body fat percentage, and they both give me pretty different answers.

I don't think they are very accurate, but I think they can be useful for tracking improvements. If it says 35% body fat this month, and next month 32%, while those might not be your actual body fat percentages, I think it's a good way to show that it DID decrease.

yellowrose5321

I have one too. They are not as accurate as some other BF measurement methods, but mine gives me consistent numbers and, as mentioned by others, if those numbers are consistently going down, then you can be pretty sure you're losing BF.

One thing to keep in mind when using them -- being dehydrated can make the BF% register higher. Most people want to weigh 1st thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. If you record your BF% at that point, then drink a large glass of water, wait an hour, and try again, the BF% will usually go down a point or so. Another reason to stay well hydrated! :-D

Generally, the body fat scales are not as accurate as hydrostatic weighing or skin-fold calipers, but MUCH better than BMI. This article has some good information comparing different methods:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1045

MandaJean83

Thank you all for your responses! They were very helpful!!