Body Fat Percentage Scale: Get the Whole Story

Appearances matter.

How often does a passing remark, comment, or criticism make or break your day? 

More times than we'd like to admit.

Why? 

Because we live in a largely superficial world, one in which we measure our self-worth based on how we are perceived.

Intentional or not, we are getting accustomed to forming the best first impressions in the eyes of others.

But, how does this connect to body fat percentagebody fat monitors, body fat scales, obesity, or anything else you thought this blog would be about? It does, in various ways!

Everything! 

 

image of lady with body fat percentage scale

We are spending thousands of dollars as yearly averages on products that alter or hide what we construe as imperfections in our body—eye, hair, skin color, scars, freckles, height, other body compositions, or proportions. 

An above-average body size no longer means unhealthy, and healthy isn't synonymous with being skinny. 

So, what is?

Body Composition and Body Weight

You must be aware that the human body composition is 60% water beside the bones, muscles, fat, etc. Well, then why do you measure your body fat, muscle mass, bone mass and other body composition aspects on the mere basis of “weight”?

bathroom scale doesn't measure your body fat or your bone mass. In fact, it provides no insight into your body's personal data (i.e. body compositions). The sole purpose of a bathroom scale is to indicate your current body weight.

It was a general belief that a skinny person is a healthy person. Why? Well, because the skinny body shows low or no fats. But does that make a person healthy?

Not having any fat?

Contrary to popular belief, having a lean experience (better muscle mass as body composition) does not mean being skinny. In fact, an above-average weight is healthy according to the fat and muscle ratio.

On the other hand, being fat doesn’t mean looking fat or a high bathroom “weight” scale reading. Rather, it is the body fat percentage, the measurement you take that determines if you are fat or not. The mere thought that “all fat people are candidates for heart disease” makes us want to sweat all the body fat at once. But little do we shed light on the real aspects of our body compositions.

In reality, we shouldn’t be stressing our mind or our body by assuming that we are fat. Running on stairs, cycling excessively, weightlifting, and all other types of normal weight loss routine are prone to cause you injury if you do not suffice with adequate knowledge.

The real body composition and body weight are interlinked. And thus, understanding how helps us to achieve our desired health plans. Reduce body fat percentage, gain muscle mass, improve bone density (i.e. bone mass), etc.

What Other Explanation Could There be?

Bathroom scales are now all-inclusive. The sheer amount of fear that they maintain in people as they make their first step onto the machine for a morning weigh-in is demoralizing. Imagine, a person after a couple of weeks of hard work and sweating mounts the device and sees what, the same number.

The scale lays out a figure, while the interpretation we perceive from it rests in our imagination. You might think that nothing changed because the same number appeared on the scale as before.

But did you know, even after a hard-working and sweaty month of low-calorie diets, intense workouts, and pressure exercises, you might have reduced your body fat percentage, improved your bone mass, and gained more muscle mass?

It would be upsetting, right?

Lacking such crucial body composition detail and leaving the road to a healthier body and mind. Moreover, the dissatisfaction and demoralization that might occur in such a case are immaculate. Therefore, you have to choose the right scales and monitors to calculate your exact body compositions, body fat percentages, muscle mass, bone mass, etc.

Why?

Because a single metric without any back-support of body composition or personal body data measurements can result in improper decisions and ill-maintenance of health.

What Alternatives Should I Consider?

Body Fat Bathroom Scales

Imagine after a good night's sleep when you mount your bathroom scale, you see an increase in your weight. What is it? Is it a mere pound addition to body fat percentage, or did you lose on some of your body fat percentages and instead gained a relative proportion of muscle mass?

It would be a great help to keep such extensive personal data to aid your health and wellness in the form of a weight loss program, exercise routine, health risk assessments, etc. With such new metrics in your scale, you can start measuring body fat percentage, percentage of muscle mass, or bone mass, and all other things that can help you lose weight to achieve the optimal health you desire. Despite all that, where do you find such scales that no longer have the red and pointy needle? Take a look at the modern features present in Body Fat Bathroom Scale.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

From its unique features, Body Fat Scale utilizes modern technology, simply, the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). With the use of basic Physics, an electric current painlessly passes through your body as you step onto the body fat scale. It is capable of body fat measurement (fat percentage, etc.) along with other body composition elements.

The speed of the electric current (from the scale) determines certain facts such as how much fat you have? Or, how much lean muscle you have? Sounds like high-price products, right? They aren't!

What Else Should I Know?

  • Body Fat Scales are affordable. 
  • BIA does not result in any discomfort. 
  • You can buy a smart scale or a handheld device.
  • Both kinds of devices are user-friendly. 

Are Smart Scales Accurate?

While Body Fat Scales are safe to use, it is true that they provide only rough estimates and the results are influenced by external factors and variables that include:

  • Physical changes like menstruation
  • Gap between your last intake of food or water and the reading
  • Gender - women tend to have more body fat than men
  • Pregnancy
  • Age
  • Where the body fat is stored
  • Height and Built of an individual
  • Exposure to endurance or resistance training

The Pros and Cons of Body Fat Bathroom Scales

With the Dara scale is that you can measure your body fat at any time in the comfort of your home. You do not need to visit a gym or a clinic.

They also help you see how much of the fat is likely visceral fat -- that ugly fat stored around your abdomen. 

 

Body Fat Percentage vs Body Mass Index

BMI is considered a more reliable indicator of comprehensive health (body composition measurements), compared to the body fat scale. Essentially, as it measures determines whether your weight is healthy according to your height and age. BMI measures and calculates how healthy you are, that is, in what BMI range estimate you fall as per the CDC of the US:

The table below highlights the interpretation of BMI range with its corresponding weight status  as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

BMI                Weight Status

Below 18.5    Underweight

18.5 – 24.9    Normal / Healthy Weight

25.0 – 29.9    Overweight

30.0 +           Obese

You can also use an online calculator from a trusted source to determine your BMI.

What Body Fat Scale Should I Consider?

The FitTrack Dara uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to do more than just give you a reading about your weight and body fat or water percentage. It covers 17 health parameters that provide users with a holistic view of their health. Some of these features include:

  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Total Body Weight
  • Standard Weight (custom-made weight loss goal based on the avg. healthy weight for a user's age and height)
  • Weight Control option (the difference between your body weight and your Standard Weight)
  • Total Body Fat readings
  • Body Age calculation 
  • Hydration Level 
  • Protein Percentage
  • Bone Mass readout (keep track of bone density changes)

Dara Body Fat Scales

Smart scale, FitTrack Dara (available on Amazon) has helped over 600,000 users reach their fitness goals by highlighting motivating factors (as they reviewed on the official website). It allows you to identify key concerns via accurate body measurements and generating useful data. Consequently, enabling you to maximise your wellness plans with no risk. It minimizes trial-and-error and enhances the effectiveness of workout while making fitness goals as practical as possible at a considerably low price! 

The most accurate body composition digital scale in its class.

Most Loved Features

The FitTrack Dara has earned recognition for several astonishing features, including its budget-friendly price. As reviewed by a range of users, related features with the highest demands are below.

  • Measurements and data provide personal insights
  • Enables you to track goals on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
  • Employs easy-to-use and estimate charts
  • Beginner Mode & Athlete Mode
  • Monitoring and Recognition of up to eight individuals via connected apps on separate phones
  • Syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, and other fitness apps
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Chic design
  • Bluetooth enabled; doesn't require WiFi to connect to your phone apps and provide data

    Omron vs Tanita vs FitTrack Dara

    Several manufacturers such as Omron and Tanita have produced body fat analyzers using BIA as well. 

    Omron focused on hand-to-foot sensors as it offers holistic and accurate metrics than foot-to-foot sensors. However, the accuracy of an Omron scale is questionable when it comes to readings compared to DEXA scans results. Since Omron models measure only seven fitness indicators, FitTrack Dara with its 17 features is widely preferred.

    While the Tanita brand is considered a world leader in electronic scales, users have reported that body fat measurements were not consistent in its smart scales. Tanita's partnership with Ironman also means that their products might benefit the athletic population more than the average weight watcher. Their digital scales also measure 7-8 fitness indicators, which are significantly fewer than FitTrack Dara.

    Another factor to consider is the metrics—Tanita BIA is within +/-5% of DEXA, whereas FitTrack Dara is within +/-3%.

    What Alternatives Can I Consider to Measure Body Fat?

    An increase in a bathroom scale reading doesn't necessarily imply unhealthy weight gain, but having a doctor jab you in the stomach and proclaim you have too much visceral fat is. Fat, as you know, is broadly divided into two groups, subcutaneous and visceral. While subcutaneous fat refers to the fat stored below the skin, visceral fat is stored around the body's vital organs in the abdominal area. This makes it far more dangerous than its counterpart as it directly impacts our organs' functioning.

    An increase in visceral fat is also an indication of potential health issues such as:

    • Heart disease
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Impaired liver function

    One of the more traditional ways of assessing our body health is to measure body fat gain or fat loss in key areas of the body. For this reason, an increase in waist circumference would earn a frown, while an increase in arm circumference, especially if you've spent hours lifting weights, would be a matter of pride.  

    What Alternatives Can I Consider to Measure Body Fat?

    Data fluctuations such as increasing weight reading from the scale don't necessarily imply unhealthy weight gain. Talking about fat, let's dive into some info to gain better data regarding fat muscles.

    Fat has two broad divisions: subcutaneous and visceral. While subcutaneous fat refers to the fat stored below the skin, visceral fat is stored around the body's vital organs in the abdominal area. Visceral is far more dangerous than its counterpart as it directly impacts our organs' functioning!

    An increase in visceral fat is also an indication of potential health issues such as:

    • Heart disease
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Impaired liver function

    One of the more traditional ways of assessing our body health is to measure body fat gain or fat loss in key areas of the body. For this reason, an increase in waist circumference would earn a frown, while an increase i

    Let’s Look At Some Of The Ways To Track Body Fat

    Body Mass Index (BMI)

    BMI is a basic calculation that uses height and age to determine a person's ideal weight. It allows users to decide whether they fit in the below-average, average, or above-average (obese) weight group. Although this quick and easy method is popular in clinics across the world, like the bathroom scale, it offers numbers that give no insight into a person's actual health. 

    Body Fat Percentage (BFP)

    While BMI isn't a decisive tool to measure overall health, it can play a crucial role in how we interpret numbers when combined with a BFP reading. For instance, if we gain weight and fall out of our ideal BMI range, this reading can tell us whether we've gained muscle mass or fat. It will help us decide whether our workout is sufficient or if we need to increase our activity levels and reconsider our food choices. 

    Skinfold Calipers

    Another popular yet conventional method of measuring an individual’s comprehensive health is through skinfold calipers or fat calipers. The tool measures a person's skin fold widths at predetermined seven important areas of the body and converts those numbers through a simple formula to determine a person's body fat ratio.

    Since the formula doesn't change, the results depend entirely on the technician's experience and accuracy in collecting the measurements. 

    Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scans

    DEXA scans are commonly performed at university healthcare facilities. They use ionizing radiation in minor doses to track results, including bone mineral density. While one energy estimates a person's bone mineral content, the second measures a person's soft tissue composition. Aside from being quick, painless, and non-invasive, it is a popular procedure as it has considerably accurate readings. 

    For those worried about their fat levels, this scan can offer valuable insight into exact locations of fat deposits, including the abdomen. That being said, a single scan can put you back $125 (baseline), making it unsuitable for regular health checks. Besides, the cost of a scan varies and it's advisable to consult your health care and insurance provider.

    Handheld Fat Measurement Devices

    Like a Body Fat Monitor, a handheld fat measurement device uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine a user's fat percentage. While they're easy to use and inexpensive, the readings fall short as the electrical current passes from arm to arm and doesn't measure visceral fat. When used in silos, results from a handheld fat measurement device will not be a true indicator of a user’s overall health. 

    Underwater Weight (Hydrodensitometry) Test

    A Hydrostatic (or underwater) weight test determines a person's body fat percentage by how much they float when submerged underwater. For the test to be accurate, a person is required to exhale completely to decrease lung volume. 

    While it is estimated that a hydrostatic test has greater accuracy than skin calipers and similar methods, the cost of the test outweighs its benefits. As the test is generally conducted at a university or research center, its limited access makes it an impractical option.

    Bod Pod

    The Bod Pod uses the principle of air displacement to determine a person's body volume and weight. Although straightforward, the process involves multiple steps and calculations, varying from calculating a person's lung volume measurement to measuring the Bod Pod while it's empty and occupied, among others. 

    While it's a reasonably accurate test, errors in lung volume measurement can affect the result. It has also been recorded that the Bod Pod cannot measure lean mass and fat mass in the body, thus proving somewhat inaccurate for lean people. 

    Conclusion 

    Whatever your fitness goals or comfort levels, the readily available and budget-friendly FitTrack Dara remains a cost-effective and accurate partner in your quest for a healthier body.