FitBit or BodyMedia Link?

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LadyIvysMom
LadyIvysMom Posts: 391 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I’m torn between a Fitbit and a BodyMedia Fit Link.

My primary concern with a device like this is accuracy and ease of use.

From what I can see, from reviews I’ve read, they both have pros and cons.

FitBit Cons:
Not as accurate, according to some reviews
Have to take extra time to calculate time spent driving/riding the train etc.
Apparently has to be used in connection with MFP; unclear if I can just log the data (ie. calories burned) manually? I’d prefer to just enter the calories burned manually on MFP.

BodyMedia Fit Link Cons:
Mandatory $6.95/month fee to see your data
Bulky and visible under clothing
Honestly not sure if my computer can run the software… My computer is at least 8 years old, no frills, and runs on Windows. I’m not sure which version. I almost never use the computer, I do everything internet/email related from my iPhone.

I’m just really not sure. I’m leaning toward the BodyMedia Fit Link right now, despite the costs, because it appears to be more accurate. But is it *really* that much more accurate that the $6.95 a month is worth it? Is it that much more accurate that it’s worth having to have a bulge under my sleeves all the time?

Please help me decide. What are your pros and cons with each device and what would you choose?
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Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,404 MFP Moderator
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    I am in the same boat as you. Interested in seeing responses. Based on all the reviews and studies, the bodymedia provides a lot better and more accurate information but has the extra cost. It guess it comes down to, what do you want to see and is it worth the $7 a month.
  • LadyIvysMom
    LadyIvysMom Posts: 391 Member
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    It guess it comes down to, what do you want to see and is it worth the $7 a month.

    That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out. Both myself and my dad (who is a tech geek that is buying the device for me as a b-day gift) have done quite a bit of research online but I'm still confused.
  • janiegross
    janiegross Posts: 25 Member
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    I got the bodymedia a few years ago and could never get it to work on my computer. Corresponded with them for a while trying to get it to work and finally just gave up. I now have a fitbit and really like it. I don't have the issue with it counting steps in the car maybe I have a smoother car or smoother roads than people having that problem. It's very easy to use in my opinion and accurate enough. It doesn't have to be used with MFP.
  • LadyIvysMom
    LadyIvysMom Posts: 391 Member
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    Thank you.

    Good to know it can be used seperate from MFP.
  • sskirsty
    sskirsty Posts: 5
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    I have a FitBit, too, and have never had any issues accumulating steps in any way other than walking or running.

    In the FitBit dashboard you can manually add calories burned in the log activity feature. I personally prefer to integrate mine with MFP so I have everything in one place, but it's nice to know they don't have to work together.
  • Tennessee2019
    Tennessee2019 Posts: 676 Member
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    I LOVE my Fitbit!!!

    FitBit Cons:
    Not as accurate, according to some reviews.
    Have to take extra time to calculate time spent driving/riding the train etc.
    Apparently has to be used in connection with MFP; unclear if I can just log the data (ie. calories burned) manually? I’d prefer to just enter the calories burned manually on MFP.

    I find it VERY accurate in calculating the things I need it to.
    I don't think you can calculate it for time spent driving. It is a motion detector (steps, stairs climbed) & calorie intake recorder
    It does NOT have to be used with MFP, but I find it easier this way because when I record my meals on MFP, it sends the information to the Fitbit website.
  • norcal_yogi
    norcal_yogi Posts: 675 Member
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    ***gained weight -- never lost -- with BMF*** sold it on eBay months ago. i feel like the device way overestimates burns. plus it's fairly large and needs to be worn on your arm.

    (just my 2 cents)
  • KaidaKantri
    KaidaKantri Posts: 401
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    I’m torn between a Fitbit and a BodyMedia Fit Link.

    My primary concern with a device like this is accuracy and ease of use.

    From what I can see, from reviews I’ve read, they both have pros and cons.

    FitBit Cons:
    Not as accurate, according to some reviews
    Have to take extra time to calculate time spent driving/riding the train etc.
    Apparently has to be used in connection with MFP; unclear if I can just log the data (ie. calories burned) manually? I’d prefer to just enter the calories burned manually on MFP.

    BodyMedia Fit Link Cons:
    Mandatory $6.95/month fee to see your data
    Bulky and visible under clothing
    Honestly not sure if my computer can run the software… My computer is at least 8 years old, no frills, and runs on Windows. I’m not sure which version. I almost never use the computer, I do everything internet/email related from my iPhone.

    I’m just really not sure. I’m leaning toward the BodyMedia Fit Link right now, despite the costs, because it appears to be more accurate. But is it *really* that much more accurate that the $6.95 a month is worth it? Is it that much more accurate that it’s worth having to have a bulge under my sleeves all the time?

    Please help me decide. What are your pros and cons with each device and what would you choose?

    I'm not sure about the bodymedia fit link, but I have a fitbit.

    Fitbit seems pretty close to accurate to me, My TDEE is around 1800 and that's usually what comes up if I don't do any exercises. My fitbit has NEVER calculated driving time. I've watched it closely, it hasn't added a single step during drive time, however i have heard that people have this issue. I don't. It does NOT have to be used with myfitnesspal, idk where you heard that, but you don't have to add it here. IF you do have it synced with mfp, Fitbit will add all the extra walking you do, but you can take it off of your exercise each day. I love my fitbit, but I've never used the body media. I think Fitbit is great, some people seem to say it's inaccurate and counts steps as you drive and whatever, but as for me, I've never had any of those issues with it. I've had it for about 2 months now. :)
  • sfgonzales
    sfgonzales Posts: 110 Member
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    I've had both, and the fitbit is my favorite. It calculates calories just as accurately for me as my BodyMedia device, doesn't cost extra, and slips in my pocket. I am no longer asked 'what that thing is' or if I am a diabetic.
  • cygnetpro
    cygnetpro Posts: 419 Member
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    I LOVE my Fitbit. I do not have it linked with mfp. I watch both, however. I love to beat yesterday's number of flights of stairs walked, or notice when I am not sleeping enough. I don't know much about the Bodymedia, but I can't say enough good things about my fitbit.

    As an aside, I lost the wriststrap that you can wear when you sleep (it's black, and got left behind while traveling-- they need to come out with some colored straps!). You can't (yet) buy them separately, so the company sent me one for free. Good stuff. That kind of customer service goes a long way with me.
  • shorty35565
    shorty35565 Posts: 1,425 Member
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    I've ordered bodymedia link. It actually has blue tooth, so u can synce it with ur phone, so it's possible that u wouldn't even have to use ur computer if u dont want to
    As for fitbit, my coach had one and didn't like it. Also, I read a review for it & the fit bit is based on movement. The reviewer said when they jiggled their leg, it thought they were runnin around the building.
  • RetiredAndLovingIt
    RetiredAndLovingIt Posts: 1,394 Member
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    I had a plain pedometer for years, so I got a Fitbit. I really like how it puts in my exercise calories for me. Altho maybe not totally accurate, but close enough for me. Also I like that it is small & not really noticeable. I like the sleep tracking, too.
  • FitToFifty
    FitToFifty Posts: 164 Member
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    I LOVE my FitBit. I have used it since February and wear it everyday. I used to spend about 6 hours a day driving and never had issues with it adding steps while driving. I still use MFP and let it sync. The only negative I know is that you don't get actual calories burned when doing exercises such as videos, weights, etc. I wear mine on my bra and never know it is there. I also link it to earndit.com in order to build credits for free stuff. I recommend it to everyone.
  • kellibenage
    kellibenage Posts: 41
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    I have the BodyMedia and know that it works! When I use it, it does a great job (just like when I count calories, I loose weight). I've never had a problem with it syncing to my computer but my computers only about 4 years old. However, I still use MFP to log my food and just put the "total" into the BodyMedia sight every night to determine my deficit. I do this mainly because I already have most of my foods in MFP and don't want to take the time to add them to BM. Also, MFP seems a little more user friendly when it comes to adding food, but that could be just because I haven't played with it much.

    The BM is bulky, and you will get a lot of questions, but it just reminds me that I am doing something good for myself!
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,012 Member
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    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Jacwhite22/view/fitbit-review-250398



    FYI several people have used both side by side and have been pretty close....In many cases the fitbit actually underestimated a bit.
  • kiaram03
    kiaram03 Posts: 12 Member
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    I also have a FitBit and have yet to find anything that I don't like about it. I don't have any issues with it logging in the car or seeming to be inaccurate. Very easy to use and set up. Love it.
  • sstec
    sstec Posts: 1 Member
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    I absolutely love my fitbit. It keeps me motivated to reach my goals. And... I have had not problems with it.
  • Mdbondurant
    Mdbondurant Posts: 104
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    I actually own both.
    LOVE LOVE the body media arm band. Syncs well and provides incredible information. It measures calories much differently than the Fit bit. The ONLY issue I have with it is with the arm band. It irritated my skin to start, and now when I put it on I have sensations in my arm I didn't otherwise have.....? Called Body Media and they told me to discontinue use and to see a dr. :(

    SO I bought the Fit Bit. Was contemplating taking it back when I learned it would sync with MFP. I PREFER MFP food log and database to ANY OTHER. I DO NOT have time to "enter" food for these sites, so this was great news to me. I am having difficulty seeing any changes on MFP once I have synced the FIT BIT, but that is another post entirely. If it doesn't sync properly and help me in MFP, I will probably return it.

    We will see how I like it once I get the FIT BIT up and running. I can tell you this. Calories burned on the FIT BIT are far less than Body Media.

    Hope this helps! Your friend in Losing! Michelle
  • emmie0622
    emmie0622 Posts: 167 Member
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    I LOVE my Fitbit!!!

    FitBit Cons:
    Not as accurate, according to some reviews.
    Have to take extra time to calculate time spent driving/riding the train etc.
    Apparently has to be used in connection with MFP; unclear if I can just log the data (ie. calories burned) manually? I’d prefer to just enter the calories burned manually on MFP.

    I find it VERY accurate in calculating the things I need it to.
    I don't think you can calculate it for time spent driving. It is a motion detector (steps, stairs climbed) & calorie intake recorder
    It does NOT have to be used with MFP, but I find it easier this way because when I record my meals on MFP, it sends the information to the Fitbit website.

    Love my FitBit - have had it for only a couple of weeks and am sorry I did not get it sooner - definitely motivates me to me to move more, did not realize how little I was moving - love the sleep tracking, easy to set up, extremely accurate in my opinion. I have also had friends who actually washed it and they contacted customer service and they replaced it for them. Absolutely love it! :heart: :heart: :heart:
  • sanguinepenguin
    sanguinepenguin Posts: 41
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    I have a bodymedia and I enjoy using it. I will say that I tend to be more dedicated to using it during the cooler months as it does look a little silly and people would ask me about it when I wore short sleeves, but under long/er sleeves it's barely noticeable. I think it is accurate and the software gives you much more realistic goals than even MFP, in terms of how many calories to eat. Another benefit of using it is that I am aware of it and so try to do things with a bit more enthusiasm :-) Last night, for instance, I had gotten home and plugged it in. I wanted to drink a glass of wine but also needed to burn about 170 more calories. So I took my wine glass for a walk :-) It encourages me to be more active, which is a great advantage to me. In terms of weight loss, I've only just started using it again, but I have been successful in the past with losing a few pounds here and there. I'm never very dedicated, though, so trying to work on that. A good friend of mine lost 20 pounds prior to her wedding using it. A from my perspective, $7.00 is less than what some people spend on coffee in a day, and that's over one month! So yes, I think $6.95 is a bargain.

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