Body Composition Scales

Body composition scales measure how the body is physically with metrics like body fat and body water percentages. The traditional scale offered the basic weight measurement and these enhanced scales can do a whole lot more.

Body composition scales or body fat scales are best intended for people who are looking to improve or monitor their health and fitness levels consistently. It is also meant for people who believe that a plain vanilla weight measurement tells a very limited story about the body's condition.

Body composition scales are more sophisticated versions of body fat scales that measure body weight, body fat percentage and a variety of other physical health metrics. For example, these scales also provide additional body physique metrics like muscle mass, bone mass, metabolic age rating, visceral fat and more.

For example, you could be losing weight because you are losing muscle mass from less exercise. Without tracking how your muscle mass has changed, you may think you are doing well physically when in fact you need to be exercising more. And instead of going to the gym or doctor's office every so often to get these measurements done for probably a fee, you now have a device that will provide accurate readings at home.

There has been more awareness of the importance of tracking metrics like body fat percentages in recent years. Results from a Mayo clinic study found that higher body fat can lead to heart problems, even if a person has normal body weight. Dr Francisco Lopez-Jimenez who led the study went as far as to coin the term normal weight obesity, referring to bodies that have symptoms of being obese even if they weigh normal.

How does a body fat or body composition scale work? This is done through a technology known as Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA), whereby the metal footpads of the scale sends a low electrical signal through your body. The impedance analysis then measures the resistance the body to the signal and calibrates your body fat and body water percentages level.

Previously, this technology was used in medical offices and first became available as a retail product in 1994 through Tanita. Since it has been over 15 years since body, there are now a wide number of brands and models that have numerous body composition scale models. Tanita continues to be the category leader and offers some of the best body fat scales in the market today. However, you can also find competitive offerings from major brands like Taylor, Healthometer, Seca or HoMedics.

Here are some examples of the best body fat scales we found:

Tanita Body Fat Scale: BF679W Duo Scale Plus Body Fat Monitor with Body Water

A good looking and well-constructed Tanita digital scale that delivers users measurements in body weight, body fat percentage, body water percentage and a daily caloric estimation feature to tell users how many calories to take in a day to maintain their weight.

Tanita offers a full range of body composition scales and this is an entry level one that is backed by Tanita's research and experience.

One tip when using this scale and in fact all body fat scales is to measure your body fat around the same time each day for consistency. The measurements are sensitive to body hydration levels and it's best not to take measurements when you first wake up in the morning when your bladder is full or right after you drink a lot of water.

Users like this scale because it is easy to use and accurate. You input your gender, height and age into the scale one-time. After that, all it takes is tapping your toe on the button beneath the display each time you want to use it. It comes included with 4AA batteries to get it going, so you won't need anything else to get it going.

Click here for the best price and free shipping on the Tanita BF679W Body Fat Monitor with Body Water

Omron Full Body Sensor Body Fat and Body Composition Monitor HBF 514

The Omron body composition monitor and scale HBF 514 is well-built, stylish and attractive and most important of all, it performs at a high level. The product is a scale that you can step on, plus a body sensor extension for additional measurements. This is not just a run-on-the-mill body fat scale. It offers the user a full spectrum of measurements to monitor their fitness level. Metrics like body weight, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, body age, resting metabolism, body mass index and more.

One enthusiastic user recommended this for anyone who is serious ahout improving their health and quality of life. That pretty much reflect the general positive sentiments that owners of this body composition scale share about their purchase.

Users of this body monitor like the comprehensive range of measurements, the accuracy of the measurements and the ease of use of it all. The box also includes 4 AA sized batteries to get this monitor up and running in no time.

Click here for the best price and free shipping on the Omron Full Body Sensor Body Fat and Body Composition Monitor

Tags: body composition scales, body fat scales, Tanita BF679W, Omron HBF 514