Body fat scales may give you a general idea of your BFP, and the results may be consistent even if they are inaccurate. However, they should not replace an evaluation by a healthcare professional, especially if you want to monitor health concerns. Bring your cell phone close to the body fat monitor when you’re ready to transfer information from your apps. Determine how the body fat monitor works. Some simply require you to stand on a scale. Some models work a bit differently. With these models, users must hold a bar that is attached to the scale while an electrical current passes from their hands to their feet. Many body fat scales also provide details about other measures of body composition — such as your muscle mass, water weight, and bone mass — to help you keep tabs on your health. Are body fat scales accurate?

If you have a pacemaker, talk with a healthcare professional before using a body fat scale. What is the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?NOTE: DO NOT use this device if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted metallic or electronic device; such use could cause these devices to malfunction causing serious health risks or death to users Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Some reviewers report a slight fluctuation in weight readings, so you may want to get on the scale a few times to make sure it is accurate. If you do not have access to your iPhone or Mac, please refer to this link on how to cancel your subscription.

BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate your body fat. This measurement is meant to screen for high body fatness that may potentially lead to health problems. However, it doesn’t calculate your body fat percentage. Readings are best taken first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or taking a shower. If you need to get a reading during the day, wait at least two hours after eating to get on the monitor. Yes, body fat scales are safe for most people to use. However, they are not recommended for children or pregnant people. If you want to use a body fat scale during pregnancy, many scales have specific pregnancy features that disable the body composition measurement.The results showed that body fat scales underestimated body fat, though they accurately measured body weight. Are body fat scales safe? Connectivity: Several scales offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect the scale to your smartphone or another device. Some models allow multiple users to set up profiles. o If the sync continues to fail, follow the steps to un-pair and re-pair the blood pressure monitor as described in the question “I am unable to pair my Blood Pressure Monitor”. Re-pairing will not delete the readings from the monitor. Frija-Masson J, et al. (2021). Accuracy of smart scales on weight and body composition: Observational study.

Ensure that Autosync is ON for the paired device. This can be verified by tapping on the (…) sign –> Go to Profile → Go to connected devices → Verify Auto-Sync is ON.We implement rigorous processes and procedures in OMRON Healthcare, such as training, and regular evaluation and assessment of measures taken. Setting up more than one profile with certain body fat monitors may be confusing for some. Expect a slight learning curve as you set up and begin using the monitor and its many features. Bluetooth: Bluetooth permission is required to allowed to enable communication with OMRON monitors.

If you do not have access to your Android phone, please refer to this link on how to cancel your subscription. Individuals who have a pacemaker implanted medical device or who are pregnant should not use body fat monitors that have an electrical current. A 2021 study tested the accuracy of three smart body fat scales and compared the results with values from dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which is the gold standard of body composition.

Optional Accessories

BIA may affect pacemakers. Some research shows that BIA is safe for people with pacemakers, but it’s important to follow the directions for the specific device.