How Do Body Fat Scales Work?
AN INFORMATIVE ARTICLE demiflyangel
WHAT IS A BODY FAT SCALE?
Body fat scales are devices people can use at home to measure their weight and body composition.
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BODY FAT SCALES
HOW DO THEY WORK?
They use bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to measure your body composition. BIA sends a weak electric current throughout the body, and measures the level of resistance the current is met with. When the current flows through muscle, the current is met with a lower level of resistance. When the current flows through fat, the current is met with a higher level of resistance. The scale then uses a mathematical formula to extrapolate the relative percentages of fat, muscle and water in your body from the value of electrical resistance.
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THE GOOD QUICK AND EASY TO USE
The entire process from stepping onto the scale to receiving your results take less than a minute, and you can do it all in the comfort of your own home. Using the scale is easy and safe as well.
THE BAD
NOT AS ACCURATE AS MEDICAL-GRADE EQUIPMENT
Most body fat scales either overestimate or underestimate body fat percentage by a large amount. Furthermore, body fat scales can only measure the total fat percentage in your body and not where the body fat is located. Therefore, for a more comprehensive medical report, please seek proper medical advice.
HOWEVER, THEY ARE STILL USEFUL!
As a home device, they give you an indicator of your health as there are general guidelines for how much percentage of fat is considered healthy. In terms of keeping track of your goals, as long as the scale is consistent in its accuracy (assured by regular calibration of your body fat scale), it can help you roughly track the effectiveness of your health-conditioning plan.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Many reviewers have commended body fat scales for its convenience and usefulness in helping them track their fitness goals. In particular, the FitIndex body scale has received much praise for its surprising accuracy (results were almost identical to professional Inbody Scan machines) and affordability, allowing it to emerge as one of the leading brands in the industry. For those who are serious about improving their physique and health, the FitIndex body scale is highly recommended!
