1. Truth Is Relative When Using a Body Fat Scale
Body fat scales use a method called bioelectrical impedance to send an electric current through your body to determine body composition. Since there are many variables that can effect the resistance this electrical current finds as it courses through your body mass, there is no way that any body fat scale will be completely accurate in its measurements. That said, body fat scales are very useful in helping you monitor your weight management and fitness progress at home. Be careful not to compare your results too strictly with any chart or anyone else's data, since results can vary so widely.
2. Standardized Testing
To achieve the most consistent results, you need to eliminate as many variable factors as you can when using your body fat scale. Factors such as hydration levels, recent physical activity, skin temperature, diet and positioning can all adversely affect the results of the scale. Try to measure yourself at the same time every day, with similar room temperature, at least 12 hours after exercising and while well hydrated, and at least 1 hour after eating or drinking. Remember to clean the electrodes of your body fat scale with alcohol after each use.
3. Quality Counts
Prepare to spend a little more money if reliability of results is especially important to you. Numerous manufacturers produce body fat and body weight combination scales for an attractive price point. However, these are going to be more limited in their accuracy than body fat scales produced by companies that specialize in health and fitness products. Tanita is one such company that constantly performs research and strives to improve the accuracy of their scales. Keep in mind that their prices also reflect their commitment to excellence.
4. Profiling for Body Fat Analyzers
Find a scale that accommodates the body type of the person who will be using it. If you're not an athlete, meaning you don't exercise rigorously for at least 10 hours per week, don't buy a body fat scale calibrated for an athlete. Body fat scales use profiles for factors such as age, height and sex to calculate the lean muscle to fat mass ratio. If there are any children in your household who will be using the scale, make sure the scale can accommodate them as well.
5. Don't Be a Slave to the Numbers
Body fat scales are just one of many tools you can use to assess your overall health and fitness. As you strive for better overall health, be careful not to allow the convenience of having a body fat scale at home drive you to an unhealthy preoccupation with a number. Remember that everyone's number will be different and as long as yours falls in a healthy range, relax and reward yourself for the progress you've made.
Member Comments