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A body fat scale shows you the percentage of fat that your body contains. For example, if you weigh 100kg and have 10kg of fat, then your body fat percentage is 10%.
The scales work by sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring the resistance it receives. Muscle tissue contains a lot of water and offers low resistance, while fat tissue contains little water and offers high resistance. This resistance is measured against other inputted information, such as height, gender and age, to produce a body fat percentage reading.
It is important to remember that while body fat scales are useful tools that can provide users with a good idea of their body composition, they are not always 100% accurate. Body fat readings should be used as a baseline indicator of progress and you should see a health professional to help you interpret any unusual readings or fluctuations.
Healthy body fat percentages differ for men and women. The table below provides a breakdown of suggested body fat percentage ranges:
Men | Women | |
---|---|---|
Athlete | 6% to 13% | 14% to 20% |
Healthy | 14% to 17% | 21% to 24% |
Overweight | 18% to 24% | 25% to 31% |
At risk | 25% + | 32% + |
Source: American Council on Exercise
Weight scales simply measure body mass, while body fat scales indicate what percentage of your overall mass is fat. Body fat scales give a more accurate indication of your body's health and composition than traditional weight scales, as they can distinguish between fat and muscle.
There are several ways body fat scales can be useful, including:
Body fat scales aren't for everyone. Some people shouldn't fit into traditional body fat categories. Others shouldn't be exposed to the small electrical current the scale uses. These people include:
All body fat scales take a body fat percentage reading, but they often offer other features too. One of the ways to distinguish between body fat scales is to check what other readings the machine is able to give you. These might include:
Basic scales start at around $20, while scales with more advanced features for medical offices can cost $1,000 or more. Consider what you need from your scale so you don't spend money on extra features that you'll never use.
When purchasing a body fat scale, consider the following features:
Are the numbers easy to read? You don't want to be squinting or struggling to decipher what your scales are telling you. If you have any difficulties with your vision, look for a scale with a large display and high brightness.
Many scales are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatible and store your information on a compatible mobile app. Other scales have inbuilt storage and keep readings for a certain amount of time.
Most scales are thrown off if used on carpet. Hard surfaces are preferable as they provide a more accurate body fat percentage reading due to more evenly distributed weight. Consider where you will be using your new scale.
Some scales are impacted by large amounts of moisture in the air. If you have a small bathroom with no ventilation, your body fat scale might be better off in the kitchen or living space.
If you're interested in your water weight or your BMI (Body Mass Index), then be sure to look for a scale that offers additional readings.
Check the warranty length. Some manufacturers offer a year, while some offer up to five. Scales live on the floor and you never know what might drip, drop or fall onto them.
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