Top Rated Body Fat Scale Buying Guide to Find Body Fat Percentage

What is Body Fat?

Before you step into the gym, consider asking yourself what goals you have in mind. Is it your weight? Eating habit? Overall fitness? If so, consider looking more at your body fat percentage over your weight. Your body fat plays a lot more into your body image and has much to do with your eating habits and fitness level. It measures fat and non-fat mass (muscles, bones, organs, etc.). Losing weight only sometimes reflects what's going on inside.

So, how do you measure your body fat? You may have used one back in school, but body fat scales have transformed from the hand-held gadget your teacher used in recent years. Newer models measure your weight, body fat, lean mass, BMI, water weight, and bone mass. But which is going to be best for you? Below are criteria to consider, as well as 5 of the top body fat scales and their pros and cons. You can see the best body fat scales here for the complete list. They all gather your weight and body fat, but some have additional features that may come in handy:

What To Look For

Accuracy

Digital or analogue? Analog scales provide the most consistency. They rely on bioelectrical impedance, which measures the resistance of electrical waves that gauge a person's body fat. Water intake, menstrual cycles, and time of day are all factors that can sway the readings.

Connectivity & User Interface

The more a scale can do, the better. Unfortunately, more functions can mean difficulty in use. Does the device transmit data through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? Does the device connect to your phone, are functions accessible, and can they sync to your devices?

Cost

With all things, how much are you willing to spend? You don't need to break the bank to achieve adequate results, but you shouldn't go the cheap route just to save a buck. Purchase within reason.

Durability & Weight

What is the scale's weight capacity? What is it made from? Make sure to read reviews to prevent purchasing a scale that will fall apart after consistent use.

The Models

Weight Gurus Digital BF Scale

With a 400-lb limit, the best accuracy, and a great price (listed on Amazon for $49.85), the Weight Guru has great, consistent reviews, with many complimenting its ease of use and applicability with other apps. Unfortunately, those with pacemakers, electronic implants, and the pregnant are not recommended to use.

Tanita BC554 Ironman Monitor

In addition to measuring your weight and body fat, the Ironman can calculate "body age." The calculation refers to the age of your body based on body fat and BMI. Despite other scales lacking a "body age" calculator, the usefulness of it is next to zero. It's user-friendly, trusted, and lightweight, but only holds up to 330 lbs. (Costs around $150).

Omron HBF-514C

A trusted scale that provides extra details on stomach fat, skeletal muscle, and resting metabolism. The Omron calculates body fat using bioelectrical impedance. With great additives, some of which are not useful (stomach fat calculation), the Omron only holds up a little, with a weight maximum of 330lbs. (Affordable at $68.50).

Fitbit Aria

The Aria is one of the most recognizable brands in the market. It connects well to Wwi-fiF and uses the popular Fitbit application. Yet, it only tracks weight and body fat, while all other features are only accessible through the application. With an "athlete mode," the Aria is more for active users but doesn't discriminate as it can hold up to 350lbs. Drawback? It's steep, costing $128.

EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Scale

Listed as one of the highest-rated scales. The EatSmart holds up to 400 lbs, is as accurate as the Ironman, has a backlit display, and is user-friendly. Unfortunately, it lacks connectivity to smartphones and may not be used with thick moisture in the air. Regardless, it has proven to be satisfactory to most users, mainly due to its costs - $59.99.

Summary

Whichever scale you choose to step up on, remember that exercise is critical in seeing change. Know where you're at, decide whether you're happy with the numbers, and implement change. The scales only change the number for you with active effort. Stay Fit!