Why you shouldn't buy an expensive body fat scale and how they work
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2020
- The body fat scale I use is under $30 and works great. You can find it here: amzn.to/2FdlFn6
For a higher end scale, I have liked this Withings Body+ Scale: amzn.to/2Gz241i
Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through the amazon links above.
The important metric when losing weight is to try and pay attention to the amount of body fat you are losing. The problem is that accurate body fat measurements require DXA or hydrostatic testing. You can even utilize calipers or tape measurements, but who has time for that? In this video, I cover the science behind how the bioeletrical impedance analysis scales work to measure body fat, why they're inaccurate, and the best practices for using them to the best of their ability.
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#weightloss #fatloss #fitness 
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So the scale you have in the description for higher end scale is accurate?
I love how you are very critical about the absolute numbers those scale will show you but still very honest about its use as a means to track progression.
You’ve gained yourself a new subscriber.
What if you did a yoga pose and put one of your hands instead of your foot in one of the metal bits? Electricity would go around your body, from one foot to a hand. Improvise, Adapt, Overcome
Mad Genuis 😈
Electricity would go around shoulders and return via other hand.
Smart scale will refuse, because i'm not a yoga mat , get out of me
@@HasanNassrallah
No it would not.
Because you are touching the metalplate with left hand and the other metalplate with your right foot.
The pulse would go from your left hand to the right foot and not from left hand and return via other hand.
You just made my day 🤣🤣🤣
Other conditions to keep in mind would be to pee and poop before you measure it. Pee is a liquid that could skew results and poop can be 1-3 lbs. Also if you don't have regular bowel movements, then you could actually weigh less than what the scale is showing. If you normally poop at night and you weigh your self in the morning normally but you didn't poop one night, then again that can also skew it. Basically what I'm saying is to make sure your WHOLE system is as empty as possible in order to get accurate readings.
that's what he meant at 6:31 about morning "routine"
You could say that about any scale. If you weigh yourself once a week, you don't want to go through a vigorous exercise routine and starve yourself one week before jumping on the scale because that will artificially lower your numbers that week. Try to get on the scale with the same conditions leading up to weighing yourself each time.
3 pounds of poop! Dude! I'm impressed! I don't think I'd do 3 pounds of poop in a week!
@@eundongpark1672 I thought the same 🤣🤣
Aximay Sosa That is one helluva heavy poop! 😄
thank god my inner voice told me to search for this before buying lol
Mine too..lol
Mines too
It's pretty accurate. Just don't measure urself through the day, just in the morning. I have a Xiaomi scale. If you measure yourself with full stomach filled with different aliments, what do you expect from the scale? To avoid measuring your stomach?
Right? Anytime I don’t listen to the “voice” I get screwed over. The voice always knows best. 😁
@@blumalika but that's a basic knowledge with any scale, smart or not.
Just amazing! It felt like you were talking to me and we had a nice conversation about this. Informative and complete.
Thanks a lot! I expect more of these from you :D keep it up!
Legit just saved me $80 on an expensive "do everything" scale. Did not realize they only measured about waist down. Thank you👍
He didn't say they were worthless. He said you can't assume the numbers are correct, but if you use the same scale over a period of time you can track progress/change. So your body fat may not be what your overall body fat is, but if it drops from 20% to 15% in a month, you can see that you are making good progress. That's better than no scale at all.
They do not only measure waist down. If you have an electriccircuit, all current does not run throw the path of least resistance (Unless that resistance is 0 Ohm)
So it is much more complicated....
True: Depending on where on your body fat is stored that may influence the resaults.
But: If you gain fat, say on your chest, that changes the resistance from one foot to the other. Since your whole body is a complicated "grid of parallel and series resistors".
Scales measuring from foot to foot has shown to give the same resaults as when using the more advanced scales using foot to foot, foot to hand and hand to hand combination.
Thank you. I would reinforce, electricity takes all paths, not the path of leas resistance or shortest path. I am glad to hear someone mention that.
Is it worth it for only $27? It’s on sale right now
Thank you so much For this vital information; I was thinking of purchasing this and now u have saved me money 👍👍👍
Great video. Best review on smart scales by far I've seen on RUclips. Thx
I easily gain 5lbs between morning and night. I feel like that’s normal and of course food isn’t lean body mass so it’ll effect the lbm reading. No body fat measuring tool is accurate and they’re all used for general ideas of where you’re at and to use to measure progress.
That's exactly right. First weekend of college football, I probably gained 10 :-/
@@WesJH I also agree a 5lb swing in a day from morning to night is not abnormal but I am not sure about the BF again.
there is it's called a dexa scan
I lost 2kg’s in the morning is that normal
Excellent. I had accuracy doubts before ordering my BFS so purchased for the opportunity to measure my progression. You've already got the experience and see the same solution. I know I've made the right decision.
Great video, I've been using such a scale for a little more than a year now and I think it has been great and it kept me motivated not to slack and keep my routine. When I saw the video I opened it to see why you are hating the scale so much(this is the impact I had from seeing the title). But the video itself is just great. Your thoughts completely align with mine. I also measure at the same time in the morning to have consistent results. It's true these things are inaccurate, but the innaccuracy is not random, so if you are consistent with the time you measure and how you measure(before eating, always cloths off or on etc.) it's the best thing for checking your long term progression. The only downside is that every scale has it's own app and you are locked into an ecosystem. I was using Xiaomi products, changed to a Huawei watch and now it's annoying to have two separate apps and I probably need to get a Huawei scale which is almost identical to the one I already have..
I have the exact same scale. I only weigh myself right when I wake up in the morning and I calibrate it prior to getting the #s. Its been very consistent for me. No drastic fluctuations at all and steady decrease in #s as I continue on my fitness journey. I agree that people should use these as a way to track progression and not rely on the #s being 100% accurate.
I have the same scale too and the numbers have inly been inconsistent is when I have lost weight etc, it works for me especially since I don’t focus on the numbers anymore
@@pamelafrutos2341 inly? And how is the scale useful if the numbers aren't?
@CJ P. That really doesn't make any sense.
@CJ P. Being dumb is definitely your subject then. 😂
@CJ P. Trig, trig, trig, trig, triggered, lay a little 🥚 for me 😂😂😂
That's was a great review, Wes. I actually just purchased that scale and waiting for delivery. Middle of your review I was telling myself - Damn! Now I have to return this gimmicky thing. But your right it's a good tool to show progression even if the numbers aren't real...... overall. It will still show accurate data to its limited capability. You then can get a professional reading and find the difference of error on your scale and gauge from there when you weigh yourself... I guess.
yea, that's right on point. I prefer more of mirror results than actual measurement, anyway for a variety of reasons. A big one being that we all carry fat differently on our bodies. You'll see someone with a six pack at 15-16%, whereas someone like me needs to get down in the 12-13% range. So what does it matter if I have the actual reading? Curiosity I guess. Perhaps in a future video I'll get a DEXA scan or something to compare the too.
Found this very helpful, good stuff.
LOVE the way you approach this! With real data and testing, talking about the limitations of the technology itself and how it can be useful within those parameters. Brilliant! I just got one, and I'm not really that bothered by absolute numbers, just tracking progression.
I feel like I need to point out though, that you are conflating percent and percentage points. If your bodyfat goes from 15% to 13%, you've lost 13% bodyfat (divide difference with the original number: 2/15). You have however lost 2 percentage points. It is a really important distinction. If you'd in fact only lost 2% bodyfat, you'd be at 14.7%. Cheers!
They definitely aren’t 100% accurate but they are a very good way to track weight loss and fat loss. The weight loss is reflected in the average fat loss in my experience, with some very minor variations. I’d still recommend them for anyone wanting to track progression.
Isn't that true about all scales... Even traditional? You should always measure at the same time of day and similar conditions. Also I agree it's better to use for progress. Even if the measurement might be incorrect, as long as it's the same conditions you can always use it for comparative measurements.
Sure but not all scales claim to measure your body fat%, this one does, but it's clearly bullshit and just utilizing some kind of lookup table that averages for the population.
Exactly
Exactly i dont know why people are so surprised lol youre supposed to weigh yourself in the AM before eating or drinking anything this has been known since scales even were created and people are acting like these were made to be accurate after you just went to the buffet and stuffed yourself lol
Excellent info and review. Thanks for posting!
I really appreciate you making this video Wes. I found that the scale itself is very inaccurate and made me feel discouraged on my fitness journey. I like the way you explain how this scale works and things to pay attention to.
Thank you!
Always weigh yourself same time each day. I appreciate the reference to studies.
Cheers man, was just about to buy one and decided to do some homework. Saved me spending my money, great explanation
Same
EXTREMELY helpful video. Couldn't find anything regarding using these just for tracking progress which is very smart to do. I'm going to buy one of the huawei scales for like 30$ and just get an actual BF% test every 4months or so. Thanks
When you stepped on that scale, it sent an electrical pulse through the dog ( 1:22 )
The dog is electrocuted
Ofcouse dog is part of the product, u didn't think they only give u the scale did u?
rip pup
Omg you made me laugh so hard 😂
😂😂
We used one of the early Tanita scales until it could not be repaired after a move. We now have the Omron type that you hold a part in your hand. The Omron was 2% bodyfat and 1 lb. off from the very fancy scale at the dietitian's office. As you say it is more reliable for monitoring your progress as long as you are consistent on when you do the measurements. The one we have does have a memory, does not use an app. I've bought a few of them as gifts and even saw one at TJ Maxx.
Thank you very much for this- I was feeling in easy with almost paying top price for scales- you have helped me put things in perspective
And you are gorgeous
!
Wow, that is so interesting. Great advice, thank you.
I totally agree with you. I’ve had the same scale for years now. I had major back surgery and had to stop working out. In fact, for the last 9 weeks, I’ve been running 5-8 miles daily in the summer heat of Charleston, SC. My stats for weight are EXACTLY the same. I’m between 133-137 depending on the time of day. However, after 9 weeks, my body fat…etc., is not any lower. As you can imagine, my entire body composition has changed though. I’m also much leaner and I can now fit into all my old clothes. I do realize there’s an “athletic” mode, but I have had that on the entire time since I had the scale before my back surgery and when I was running. There’s just no way my fat percentage is still the same. Even my water intake, subcutaneous fat, and age should have fluctuated.
I bought one of these scales before watching this video. I might use it to just track weight. Excellent video!Thanks for the info!
You should put your left foot on the left pads and your right hand on the right pads see if it makes any difference haha
That was my concern also was it's accuracy and if the accuracy of the product maintained throughout time.
I think this is why analog scales still beat out digital scales.
I've been saying for decades that digital is just a convenience, rather than a consisent trusted source.
Great video bro!
There is an analogue device inside the digital scale
Great content and totally accurate information. Thanks for sharing your product review.
Thanks for the great and thoughtful review!
Very helpful, thanks!
I bought the Huawei Scale 3, very happy with it so far. my biggest offset in a day has been 0.4%. I consider that to be a fair margin of error. its mostly to make it easier for me to see over long periods of time if there is any changes or not. and for that, this works great! :D also kinda nice having wifi on my scale so I don't need to bring my phone to the bathroom whenever I use the scale.
Thank you for this explanation!
FINALLY! Good information, greetings from Brazil.
Great review! Do you have any recommendations or is it better to just buy a regular scale? Thanks
I totally figured this out after buying a scale and feeling duped. Thank you for confirming it!
They’re still good lol
@Aero Dynamix it's literally the save as pulling a chart up on the internet. Everyone is the same ratio based on stats and what they weigh in at. It's not custom at all.
What if you take your weight normally the do a handstand on it split the difference taking uncertainty to account that should give a more accurate
I got saved... I ordered one that was like $80+ and then it got lost during delivery and got cancelled. We just bought a $29 one instead and was about to reorder but guess we’re not anymore
Thank you very much for this video!
And thank you for watching!
thank you for sharing about the BIA progress in these scales
Excellent video! Thank you
Informative video. Thanks!
Great content and what is the music you used for the intro and outro. It is freaking nice!
Thanks so much for sharing this great info and details.
That .7 deviation seems okay for me for a casual weight watcher. I'd probably only use it for just my weight and nothing else. Nonetheless, the extra info doesn't hurt. Thanks!
great video, thank you!:)
Thank you for the scientific approach man! You got my like and subscribe.
What if I put my face on the other half of the scale and one foot on the other. That should make it go around my whole body right?
Thanks - very informative and makes sense
Very informative! Thanks Wess
Good advice, thanks.
Great analysis and explanation on how they work! I agree that it's a great tool to use to track progression. At the end of the day, the only 100% accurate way to get an actual measurement of body fat % and muscle mass would be an autopsy, if not a DEXA scan. Much respect from a fellow Polynesian!
Great Video Bro....Thanks for info
Thanks for the informative video!
Excellent detail and analysis, deserves 200k+ views...
Great video! Heavier, slimmer you look great either way! Thanks for the info!
Have you tried the inbody one yet? I just learned about it and was wondering what you think
Great video, thanks!
My lowest body is the heaviest. My upper body is so skinny that I wear xs. I wondered about the body fat measurement I got and started searching for videos like this. Thanks for enlightening me. I was kinda shocked
Would it be more accurate if your hands were touching your feet while you stand on the scale? 🧐
You just taught me a lot regarding this gadget. I'm glad that I didn't waste money. Thanks
I was planning on using it as a progress measurement, so I’ll probably get one anyways. Good information to know.
The video saved me some money .. thanks for making this bro .. ✌️
Nice video and breakdown man!
Hey mate great video, what if you balanced on one foot and the opposite hand would that give you more accurate measurements
Good video. Can you review the Wyze Scale and the Wyze Scale S after it comes out in December 2021? Thanks for all you do.
They should make a scale you do a downward dog on so you get the impedance for arms and torso too.
I think there are some that have handles
@@beatekreuzer5025 handles wouldn’t work. Electricity chooses the shorts path.
@@nicholas3671 handles that send electricity.
@@zerotwosixty7416 yes. And when you send electricity it exits the body at the shortest distance to ground or completing a circuit. So if you’re sending voltage from both sides of the handle it’s most likely continuing the circuit across your chest which could be dangerous. If not each separate handle would shoot to ground which wouldn’t be the scale.
Wow, thank you! I think I might still try this scale, for like you said using it as a tool to track my progress. I like the app idea behind it as well. I hope I enjoy it☺️
Great video!
Glad you found my video helpful! I'm still using it as I reverse diet and build back mass. It's been great to ensure my BF is staying low and my lean muscle is increasing. Hope you enjoy!
Wes thank you
I’d totally want to know what’s been your quarantine routine to get those results.
That's coming up soon!
I agree that the best use for this scale is to measure relative progress. I measured my body fat % using this scale and a handheld BIA tool. Based on my personal data inputs(age, weight, athlete, etc.) my body fat measured between 15-21%. I repeated this with a trainer using similar equipment and he got 21%. I was skeptical, so the next morning was measured a hydrostatic tank, one of the most accurate methods. I measured 11.6%. The BIA measurements and their algorithms weren't accurate for me. I'm 60 and an athlete.
I decided to go home and "recalibrate" my equipment, by lying about my age (using 25 years) in order to deliver a body fat reading less than 12%. Over the past few years, this has been much closer to actual for me and I can still track progress as well.
I would think, as a result of these scales being accurate about change (assuming similar conditions of weighing in) that I could use one as an accurate measure of how much my weight loss can be attributed to fat mass vs lean mass, correct?
Respect bro! Love this
Great explanation for sure thanks
Thank you so very much. I have a “smart” scale. I recently slowly lost 10 pounds and got my BMI to 23.1 I was so happy until I looked back over my muscle weight. Out of the 10 pounds 4 was muscle? I’m post menopausal and we didn’t have basic circuitry in HS. Looks like it just measures the legs. I don’t feel like I’ve lost muscle. My calves are still muscular. I did also get my sub Q fat into the normal range. I guess I’ll take the scale with a grain of salt and continue with my regimen,which I love and I feel great, dance better, BP better, etc
Good point on the electricity being lazy, convinced me that the scale isn't what I want.
An 8% error is pretty good. The one I've got is often off by 50% to 100% when measuring body fat.
Which one did you get wtf?????
What scale
I been confused by my impedance scale. I started Bike (30mins a day) and sauna 20 mins a day. After this change the scale says my body fat has gone from 20% to 23% and my muscle volume has decreased from 49kgs to 47kgs.... makes no sense...
Thx for this. Saved me $40. Which digital scale would you recommend?
I use a Xiaomi Mi Scale Body Composition 2. Thank you for helping me to understand the reason for the oscillations, as I get similar results. I just use it to track progress over time and do the scientific method time measurement... as soon as I wake up, before my shower. It was funny to learn I´m not the only one
Good explanation, new subscriber!
It seems that it makes broad assumptions based on the weight. For example with gym shorts versus no clothes on, a swing of 0.4% body fat.
The fitindex i got was 40 CAD ($25 USD), fairly cheap and the measurements are consistent.
Compared to measurement devices that are thousands of bucks it's fantastic. For myself and my partner, based on body fat% reference photos, it seems definitely near the mark.
Great 👌 info! Thank you
Very good presentation!
5:05 I went "the other way" during the pandemic.......
BTW water (fluids) also always "choose the easy path". Spent a lot with physics becoming a ME. Now I'm in dire need of another kind of "physics"😂
You're a smart guy, thank you for making this video, I was about to spend £140 on new scales but have now decided against it
I bought one for 23$ their cheap
Very informative great video
*What bone mass did you get?* My scale says My bone mass is 11.2% and my weight is 167kg... which means my bones are 17kg (like 38lbs or something).
Hi Wes . What about Tanita RD-953 , Tanita RD-901 and Tanita SC-240 ?
Thanks
What about the more expensive Tanita body fat scale which uses the same body fat measurement technique but also passes electrical current on the upper body? Is that more accurate or precise using the same method?
What if I buy a scale with sensors for the feet and other sensors for the hands? This type of scale is accurate, right?
thank you. was just about to buy till I remembered how I got suckered into buying a lit mobile power unit. you saved me money and disappointment.
Great explanation!
I said the same exact thing, this video was very welcome 💯💯💯
I have the Renpho scale. They’re all basically the same thing. I hold more weight and fat in my legs. And I hardly have any fat in my upper body. I also know this because I did a Dexa Scan a couple months prior and am just under that weight. So I do think my body fat could be not that off. Possibly a little under because as you said it shoots through the legs where most my fat is. I also have been cutting massive calories last 4 days, with 64+ oz a day w/ deficit calories a day. And very active but have been taking it easy because of the low calories. I also have a regular digital scale that is pretty accurate because I’ve weighed in for a fight before and it was basically the same so I know that’s pretty accurate for weight. My other scale actually always shows lower than the Renpho scale I have. I think these are good to have a idea of around where you are at but definitely recommend having a second regular scale to compare the weight. For example like I said my regular scale that has been accurate recording weight so far (even before purchasing Renpho) always reads around 0.8 - 1 lb lower than the Renpho. So I could be slightly lower in other areas. Thanks for this video though! Everyone is different. My weight actually only fluctuates from 1-2 lbs up or down by end of day but I go back down to same weight I woke up with before bed. It’s really amazing how you can maintenance your body.
Thanks for taking to the time share your feedback and experience!
While these scales are not very accurate, it is possible to make impedence measurements beyond the lower half of the body. Your body acts as a transmission lines and can your limbs can act as line terminations and produce AC reflections.
That’s what I’m looking for! However I’ve yet to find a scale that can validate that this is their method of measurement.
Thank you, very useful
Very intelligent assessment imo. I bought aldi body fat scale and it wouldn't read body fat because it was too high.
Ive used body scale at the gym . It has pole handles so it reads upper body too.
You have a good point. But even so, for beginners like me that went from 30% body fat to losing 30 lbs. I need to know an est. Of my body fat even tho the error might be be 1-2% off it'll give me an idea