how accurate are those scales with body fat readers?
thinking of getting 1 to monitor by exercise regimen. i'm pretty sure the scale would be accurate, but how about the body fat readers on those scales that sends electrical signals thru your feet. i actually dont see how accurate that would be so decided to ask. alternatively, is there a better tool to measure body fat? thx.
Public Comments
- I wouldn't say they are very accurate. It's difficult to take into account muscle mass, no matter the method. Even the body mass index that includes muscle mass isn't completely accurate. You'll notice your weight increase if you work out, thats a given.
- I have one too. Not sure how accurate it is but I do enjoy seeing the percentage go down. My scale also tells me my percentage of body water and how many calories I need to maintain my current weight.
- The bioimpedence scales are notoriously inaccurate for determining body fat percentage. It can vary greatly with your level of hydration, how well the contacts are made with your skin, and sometimes it seems like the phase of the moon. I've had clients take tests 2-3 minutes apart and have different readings. A more accurate method is having body fat calipers used on you by an experienced tester. Even more accurate than that would be hydrostatic weighing or a DEXA scan, but you'd probably have to go to a large medical facility or university for the last two. Most gyms have someone trained at caliper measuring.
- It all depends on the type of scale. Tanita makes a home version of the the type I use in my facility. The home version was $80 the one I just bought for my facility was $1800. Bioelecrtical impedance is one of the best ways to get your body fat. Please keep in mind that all methods will give you a RANGE of what your numbers are. Even the best method is effected by hydration, medications, food intake, and genetics. If you are a person that is driven by numbers, go for it. If you get one and take your body fat, remember: 1. Take it at the same time each time you do it 2. No food or drink 3 hours before you take it 3. Empty bladder Good Luck :)
