Is my Taylor Body Fat Scale inaccurate?
I just bought a new Taylor Body fat scale because I read how accurate they are. I have used the scale to measure my body fat a number of times over the last several days. The scale is very inconsistant. Alot of the time it says my body fat is 13% but sometimes it will jump up to 18%. I have also gotten every number in between 13% and 18%. Whats up with the scale? Am I doing something wrong to make the reading be so inconsistant? Should I just return the stupid thing?
Public Comments
- These scales are based on bioelectrical impedance and they estimate your body fat percentage by measuring how well your body conducts electricity. This conductivity also changes with your hydration and electrolyte levels. They are not very accurate. Here is a related article: http://www.spartafit.com/articles/measuring%20body%20composition.php
- If you use the scales at different times of the day, this can affect the readings, depending on hydration levels. You need to make sure you use the scales at the same time each day and that you are hydrated, so as to get an accurate reading each time. I would also recommend buying some body fat callipers (Accu-Measure) and you can compare the readings. HTH : )
