Here are the best body composition monitors, and correctly choose a body composition monitor to buy to accurately monitor your health, weight, and body mass index.
The body composition monitor or diagnostic scale uses the technology of impedance, which, through advanced algorithms, can body composition monitors such as fat mass (FM) or body fat, lean mass (FFM) and muscle mass, percentage of total water (TBW), percentage of extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW), percentage of bone mass and body mass index (BMI), i.e., the ratio between weight and height, as well as recommended calories (BMR) and heart rate.
The impedance technology is a non-invasive method used to monitor body composition. In short, our body, when crossed by an electric current (at low power and high frequency,) reacts differently depending on how it is composed. For example, Lean fabrics are rich in water and carry the current well, while fatty tissues where the adipose mass is more consistent oppose resistance.
The economic diagnostic scales only measure the fat mass depending on the model. In contrast, the last generation ones offer a really high number of measurements on our body, keeping track of progress and giving us particular indications over time.
A body composition monitor is also a tool often recommended by nutritionists, as it allows parameters to be monitored and is useful for assessing progress. For these reasons, many people buy these smart scales, which increasingly replace traditional weighing systems.
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How to choose a body composition monitor
To choose the body composition monitor in line with our needs, it is essential to understand which parameters to evaluate and compare the various models.
Let’s examine the most important specifications and functions to make sure you proceed with a good purchase.
Functions
One of the key factors in choosing a bathroom scale is the type of information. In addition to calculating muscle mass, fat mass, and the percentage of water in the body, the best body composition monitors include a measurement system that takes into account the age group (e.g., child, adult), sex, height, and even intensity of sports activities that are practiced.
Taking examples, athletes have a lower heart rate than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, so this is important to get a picture of the situation.
Also, regular physical activity leads to increased muscle mass, resulting in weight gain compared to those who do not do sports.
Similarly, women have more fat mass than men if we compare two people of the same height and the same age. All this is taken into consideration automatically. From the base to the professional, a function present in all the devices is then the automatic calibration, optional also included in the digital type scales.
Among the extras most appreciated by people of all ages, there is also a system of historical memorization of weight, which allows you to set your profile and check your training, metabolic activity, and progress. If several people in the family want to use the body composition monitor, it is advisable to have a multiple profile setting.
Only the best models of professional body composition monitor integrate bone density and precise water percentage, even measuring heart rate. Others, such as the Polar body composition monitor, include a weight and power management system.
Number of electrodes
The number of electrodes (minimum 4) is precisely responsible for the accuracy and precision in measuring lean and fat mass.
We climb barefoot on the platform. We remain standing. Electricity (around 800 mA imperceptible) is transmitted above all to the lower part of the body through electrodes located on the base. As we said, only some models, such as the Omron body composition monitor, also have a handle to be grasped with hands equipped with special sensors.
This extra accessory increases the device’s accuracy and can even detect the heartbeat. Once the measurement has been carried out, we can read all our body composition monitors on the balance display. Usually, they appear in an acronym, so you must keep the instruction booklet at hand to interpret the data, at least in the first phase.
Precision
Although not at the same level as the bioimpedentiometers used by medical professionals, home-based body composition monitors offer fascinating insights for managing your physical condition and achieving a healthy weight. The accuracy obviously cannot be 100%, but being digital instruments, the more advanced models have a really high degree of precision.
This is the most difficult parameter (if not impossible) to evaluate before buying, as one can do a real precision test only after purchasing the scale. However, to check the device’s accuracy, it is sufficient to repeat the weighing after a few minutes and read if the data changes or is constant.
Furthermore, to reduce the margins of error, it is advisable to weigh yourself without the clothes and always at the same time, perhaps in the morning a few minutes after getting up. Better not to take measurements after drinking a lot of water, after meals, or after a lot of sweating.
Of course, the body composition monitor at home does not replace a specialized doctor’s visit but allows you to monitor progress day by day.
Important. It is good to remember that a high price does not always translate into a more accurate measurement of muscle mass., In fact, the price difference is often due to other options that make an impedance scale more interesting and complete.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important element to consider when choosing the body composition monitor. These tools, born with the latest technologies, can also connect to our mobile devices. Who is technological? You can choose something more sophisticated with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity to read the results directly on your smartphone’s display and manage them comfortably on the move.
The manufacturers themselves make the official App available together with the product to allow those who wish to check their weight, progress, and health status in real-time.
Furthermore, most smart scales are compatible with the most famous fitness tracking apps: a way to cross-check fitness data with physical composition results. In the best Bluetooth or WiFi impedance body composition monitor, connectivity also allows you to share the results with your trusted expert, whether you are a doctor or a personal trainer, through precise and personalized reports.
Design and materials
Even the aesthetic wants its part, and compared to the past, these scales today have an attractive and modern design. Some brands provide a large backlit display for easy reading, even in low light conditions.
From the material point of view, the body composition monitor is generally all structured in resistant plastic or glass. If you have little space, a small and light product is better to move from one room to another as needed.
On the other hand, glass devices are not recommended if there are children or pets in the house to prevent them from accidentally bumping and breaking. Instead, a handlebar body composition monitor is generally made of hard plastic and metal, a combination that allows the device to last longer.
Safety and maximum weight
A fundamental aspect of the best professional body composition monitor is a large non-slip platform. Very often, it is weighed after a shower or after physical activity. The non-slip material, in addition to avoiding falls, solves any measurement problems that could occur when climbing with wet feet.
We always think of safety. Therefore, we recommend that the base be equipped with non-slip feet, even better if spare sets are suitable for different support surfaces. Before making a purchase, it is essential to read the instructions concerning the maximum weight supported. Some models reach 396 lb, limiting users to those in that weight range, while the most innovative devices can support greater weights.
Display and buttons
Practicality is essential for a body composition monitor, and many aspects can improve the user experience. First of all, the display. Better to choose a device with a large enough screen that is easy to read. This is to avoid moving continuously on the platform to read the results and make the data less precise.
The buttons must also be intuitive for simplified management of the many basic and advanced functions. The platform, instead, must be wide. In this way, the device will be more stable and precise in measurement.
The automatic measurement function’s presence makes the scale more comfortable: go up, and the weight is immediately displayed. Some low-cost body composition monitors instead require turning on the device and waiting for it to be ready. Finally, most of the impedance plates are battery-powered. This makes them very practical to use anywhere.
Athlete mode
The athlete mode is present only in some smart scales and is mainly designed for athletes who practice physical activity, even competitive, for at least 8 hours a week. This special function adapts the measurement and informs the balance of an important muscle mass.
If the athlete mode is not active, muscle mass could be confused by fat mass. As we have seen, the passage of electricity varies according to the fabric, and the muscular passage of some importance sometimes creates obstacles. Those who want to keep their weight history or count the day’s steps do not need this function and can choose a simpler version.
Contraindications
The scales with impedance technology have no particular contraindications. However, the use is not recommended for subjects subjected to operations of pacemakers, wearers of prostheses or artificial devices, and pregnant women.
In some models, it is possible to temporarily disable the impedance function and then return to fully using the device functions after birth, for example, or when the doctor has certified the possibility of using them.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The best body composition monitor to buy
Below is the selection of the recommended body composition monitor for purchasing with features and prices.
- Measures 7 different fitness indicators: Body fat percentage, BMI, skeletal muscle,...
- Accurately measures body fat percentage using proven bioelectrical impedance method
- Easy to read digital screen displays body weight up to 330 pounds in seconds. Recommended...
- Renpho Health app works in connection with fitness apps. Easy setup app works with Samsung...
- 13 essential body measurements. Body weight shows on the scale, other body composition...
- User-friendly app. Download Renpho Health app at App Store or Google Play, also works with...
- Generous Size & Vivid Display: GE Fit Plus LN body composition scale is designed with a...
- Detailed Health Insights with 10 Essential Metrics: Tracking your Weight, Body Fat...
- Advanced Safety & High Precision: Our scale digital weight is crafted with a special...
- ENJOY TRACKING YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY: This smart body composition scale tracks 13 key...
- POWERFUL FREE APP: The Eros Scale app is simple to use, supports unlimited number of...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Upgraded auto-calibrating sensors for precise and consistent measurements...
- More Accurate Data: This eight-electrode scale for body weight acquires and analyzes real...
- 20 Essential Measurements: Runstar smart scale shows not only weight but also BMI, body...
- Track your progress easily: The Starfit app provides detailed charts and saves historical...
- FSA / HSA eligible. Syncs with apple watch
- FIRST-RATE QUALITY: Don't settle for less. As the selling brand of body weight scales in...
- FULL BIOMETRIC ANALYSIS: Getting thinner but not losing any weight. This is due to muscle...
- Wireless bluetooth convenience: Syncs to the free Omron HeartAdvisor app on your iOS or...
- Smart tracking: Includes 6 body metrics: Body Weight, Body Fat percentage, Visceral Fat,...
- 120-reading total memory: Stores up to 4 individual profiles (30 readings for each of 4...
- RETRACTABLE HANDLE WITH EXTRA LARGE LCD DISPLAY: After connecting the APP to complete the...
- MORE ACCURATE 8-ELECTRODE MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other 4-electrode scales that...
- 20 BASIC DATA ANALYSIS AND PROGRESS TRACKING: The body fat scale can accurately measure 20...
- Step on analyser function
- Reading displayed are skeletal muscle pervent, fat percent and subcutaneous
- Memory Support with 4 Memory Presets
- FDA CLEARED, DARE TO COMPARE! Uses TANITA's Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA)...
- 9 Full Body Composition (weight, body fat%, muscle mass, physique rating, body water %,...
- 10 Segmental Body Composition include body fat % and muscle mass for right arm, left arm,...
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