So the idea is that the more resistance the electrical current experiences, the higher the amount of fat in the body. These scales also measure your weight, and many connect to your smartphone or tablet, so you can easily track your weight and body fat measurements over time and monitor your progress.
The short answer is no. Although they're convenient and easy to use, body fat scales unfortunately are not very accurate, according to Cedars-Sinai. At best, they can only give you a very rough estimate of your body fat percentage.
Most studies looking at body fat scale accuracy have been small, but in general, the research shows that these scales are inaccurate and tend to overestimate body fat percentage, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Also known as hydrostatic weighing, this is considered the gold standard when it comes to measuring body composition, says Marisa Michael, RDN, CSSD , a registered dietitian and personal trainer in the Portland, Oregon area and owner of Real Nutrition. In this method, you sit on a scale and then are submerged in water. The technician then compares how much you weigh on land vs. This method compares your body weight to body volume, similar to underwater weighing.
It's considered very accurate, Michael says. Talk to your doctor about your BMI, and how you can best measure and track your body composition. Focusing on body fat percentage instead of weight is much more useful to track fat loss progress.
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Others say it can be used as a starting point for health assessments. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M. Overview How they work Pros vs. As such, higher resistance values tend to result in calculations of a greater percentage of body fat. A study found that the BIA method of measuring body composition is accurate when using standard, published mathematical formulas.
However, the body fat scale that the researchers tested did not use accurate formulas to estimate BFP. Therefore, it produced inaccurate estimates. Also in , Consumer Reports conducted a test of six different body fat scales.
First, the researchers used a lab-based machine called a Bod Pod to take accurate body fat measurements. They then compared these results with the data that they retrieved from the home-use BIA body fat scales. In this study, the home-use body fat scales either overestimated or underestimated BFPs. The primary advantage of using body fat scales at home is convenience. The scales are easy and safe to use. Also, as long as the scales are consistent in their measurements — even if these are inaccurate — they can help the person roughly track the effectiveness of their exercise regimen or diet over time.
However, body fat scales are not an accurate method for estimating BFP. According to doctors , they typically overestimate or underestimate BFP by a large amount. For instance, a study found an association between increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, it does not measure body fat directly. Exercise can help a person lose fat and gain muscle. If either value is higher than average, a person should see their doctor.
Below Children With children, age and sex need to be taken into account as well as height and weight. Muscle Your level of muscle mass isn't taken into consideration with BMI measurements. Particularly active people may be given an inaccurate reading.
Ethnicity Research has shown that those of south Asian or Chinese descent have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Although the evidence is less definite, black people are advised to maintain a BMI below 25 to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
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