Got a Scale That Measures Body Fat?

cici1028
cici1028 Posts: 799 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok... I finally got a scale that measures body fat, muscle mass, body water and bone mass. (I went with the EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale). I was sick of looking at my weight now that I'm in maintenance and wanted some new numbers to track.

I was shocked by my numbers. Pleasantly so, but I have to ask... are these things accurate? Does anyone else use them, and if so, what has been your experience?

Replies

  • dmg4867
    dmg4867 Posts: 14 Member
    I've had mixed results - the scale at my gym measures me at 8% bodyfat (an extremely optimistic lie! lol) and my scale at home measures me at 16%.

    I just use them to track my relative progress - I have no idea what my actual bodyfat percentage is, but if I go from 16% to 15% at home, and from 8% to 7% at the gym, I know i've lost around 1% bodyfat, so I'm on the right track.
  • cici1028
    cici1028 Posts: 799 Member
    8%... I'd take THAT!! :) Go you! (Accurate or not!)

    I didn't have another scale for comparison but I think I will just track the numbers I have and make sure they move in the correct direction. :)
  • Huskeryogi
    Huskeryogi Posts: 578 Member
    I don't trust that the number on mine is completely accurate either. It does seem to be consistent so I just used it to track my trend. When I get closer to goal weight I'm going to get my BF % tested by water displacement.
  • rkr22401
    rkr22401 Posts: 216 Member
    In my personal experience, the BF scales are neither accurate nor consistent. The handheld devices seem to be more accurate and more consistent, but are not perfect either.

    In either case, to track your trend, you must have consistent hydration levels each time you measure. Follow manufacturer's recommendations regarding time since last food, drink, exercise, and bathroom break. Measure at similar time of day.

    I personally recommend accumeasure body calipers. They are similar to a typical plastic caliper but have a slider that clicks into place when the correct tension is applied. This allows you to measure your own abdominal skin fold thickness without assistance.

    They provide a chart for conversion to BF%, but the important item to trend is the actual skin fold thickness. As long as you measure in the same location, you will get consistent results. Use a body landmark such as distance from your hip bone and practice for consistency.

    You can get one delivered for around $15.

    Hope this helps.
  • cici1028
    cici1028 Posts: 799 Member
    Thanks rk!!!! :) It did help!!

Categories