The total weight of a person is an important indicator, but it does not determine the real state of the body and does not take into account the ratio of fat and muscle mass in the body. That is why there is no single norm of weight at which everyone could feel good. In dietetics and medical centers, analyzer scales are used to determine the exact composition of the body.

They are an indispensable tool for those who play sports and monitor their health. What is the principle of operation of such scales and how to choose a high-quality device, we will describe in this article.

Analyzer scales - what is it?

Analyzer scales are devices that measure the amount of fat, muscle and bone mass in the body. They are mainly used for medical purposes in order to obtain an objective description of the patient’s general state of health. Some models have functions for measuring hydration, calculating metabolic age, and total BMI.

How do electronic scales work with a fat analyzer?

Diagnostic scales work according to the bioimpedance analysis of body composition. Simply put, they pass weak electric discharges through our body and determine their permeability in different areas. The percentage of fluid in the fat layer is less than in the muscle layer, so it has a greater resistance to current. According to the same scheme, the mass of the bone skeleton is calculated. Further, all the collected data is analyzed, and the device displays their total value on the screen.
The current pulses used in the analyzer balance are not dangerous for children or adults. It is believed that they harm pregnant women, but this is a myth. The only reason to refrain from weighing during this period is the incorrectness of the displayed data, due to the fact that the device reads the fetal indicators and summarizes them with yours.

How to choose

There are many models of electronic scales on the market for measuring body composition, which differ in the accuracy of readings and a set of characteristics. Their cost can vary from 1.5 to 100 thousand rubles. In this case, the price tag is affected not only by the quality of the materials used, but also by the presence of functions such as automatic identification of the person, smart control, the ability to determine the metabolic age and the calculation of the percentage of hydration. However, when choosing analyzer weights, you should not focus solely on the number of characteristics, because for some people they may not be corny. Here are some practical tips to help you choose a high-quality device with high accuracy readings:

  1. The materials of which the platform is made. There are no restrictions on materials as such, but they must be of high quality and durable. If the plastic is too thin and bends under the weight of the body, this is a bad sign. It is also worth avoiding devices with gaps, loose parts and “loose” lining on the front panel.
  2. Maximum load. Any balance with an analyzer has a weight limit. Most often, the maximum is 150 kg, but there are models up to 270 kg.
  3. Wireless connection for connecting to a computer or smartphone. Another useful feature that helps to display information about your body on the screen of a computer or smartphone. There are two types of wireless communications - via Wi-Fi and via Bluetooth. They, in turn, vary in cost and range. Scales with a Wi-Fi module can transmit information to several devices in different rooms at once. But Bluetooth has a limit of 9-10 meters and works simultaneously with only one device.
  4. Availability of memory and automatic identification. Some scales have the ability to recognize a person.They help to find out how much the indicators have changed since the last weigh-in and whether visible progress has appeared. If several people use weights in a family, then it is worth choosing a model with maximum memory (from 2 users).
  5. Determining the amount of fat in the body. It is not enough to simply determine the amount of fat in the body. You need to know its relationship with other indicators and see the necessary rate. A useful option would be to measure visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdominal cavity.
  6. Determining the proportion of muscle tissue. In addition to measuring fat, you must also consider the amount of muscle mass in the body. After all, a healthy body is where the muscles are in good shape and prevail over adipose tissue. A nice addition is the determination of the weight of the bone skeleton.
  7. Calculation of percent hydration. Determining the amount of water in the body is another necessary ability of analyzer scales. It helps to find out if there is excess fluid or its lack.

Remember that any fitness balance has a small error in the calculation - about 10-15%. To achieve the most objective results, it is necessary to weigh on an empty stomach or 2-3 hours after eating. It is also recommended not to drink water during the examination and not to touch the device with wet hands. Subject to the general rules and safety rules, the percentage of error is minimized.

Analyzer Scale Rating

There are a lot of models of diagnostic scales. Some of them have great functionality and increased accuracy of measurements, and some lie or work incorrectly. To make it easier for you to choose, we have compiled a rating of the top 10 best representatives of analyzer scales according to users:

UNIT UBS 2200 BKGY

UNIT UBS 2200 BKGY

pros
  • increased weight accuracy
  • there is a battery indicator
  • robust and wide weighing surface
  • auto on and off
Minuses
  • large error in measuring the percentage of water and muscle mass

Diagnostic floor scales from the budget segment from the company UNIT. They have a glass platform with a geometric image and a small display. The maximum load on the body is 150 kg. There is a built-in memory for up to 12 users and the ability to update data. The functionality of these scales is average: they determine the percentage of hydration, the amount of fat and muscle mass. The accuracy of the measurements is 0.1 kg. Automatic control, turn on with one touch of the foot. Powered by finger batteries. The cost of the device is 1000 rubles.

Tanita BC-730 RD

Tanita BC-730 RD

pros
  • good value for money
  • high functionality
  • accurate results with minimal error
Minuses
  • periodically set the set age
  • a perfectly flat floor surface is required

Multifunctional electronic scales with a maximum load of up to 150 kg. Analyze the percentage of hydration, the mass fraction of fat, muscle and bone tissue, calculate the total BMI. They have a person identification function and memory for 5 users. A feature of the model is the ability to measure metabolism and biological age. The case is made of metal and plastic. Prices for the device range from 3 to 3.5 thousand rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale

Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale

pros
  • high-quality case materials - metal and glass
  • batteries included
  • convenient control via smartphone
  • accuracy of indicators
Minuses
  • flat surface required
  • the instruction is exclusively in Chinese
  • sometimes the application freezes

Smart scales from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi. They have the ability to synchronize with your smartphone via the built-in Bluetooth module. Management takes place through the Mi Fit mobile application, the main indicators of all users of the system are displayed there. Libra can remember up to 16 people. Maximum weight - 150 kg, data error - 0.05 kg.There are functions for measuring water, a fat analyzer, determining the amount of muscle and bone tissue, as well as the total BMI. Of the features of this device can be called the definition of visceral fat and basal metabolism. The average cost is 3 thousand rubles.

Polaris PWS 1860DGF

Polaris PWS 1860DGF

pros
  • stylish design
  • convenient control
  • functionality and memory availability
Minuses
  • periodically diverge
  • do not have manual switching

Convenient scales with stylish body design. Withstand people up to 180 kilograms. The measurement error is 0.1 kg. Quickly determine the content of fat, muscle and bone mass and display data on a small display. It is possible to measure individual BMI, as well as the percentage of hydration in the body. Additional features include a daily calorie calculator and identification for up to 12 users. Prices start at 2 thousand rubles.

Beurer BG 17

Beurer BG 17

pros
  • shows weight exactly
  • there is auto power off and auto power off
  • able to remember growth, age and gender
Minuses
  • a solid and even surface is required, otherwise they do not work properly
  • no display backlight

Simple floor scales with analysis of the amount of adipose, muscle and bone tissue. Suitable for people weighing up to 150 kg. They have a person identification function, the maximum number of users is 12. The model features include the determination of water content and the presence of a 40-mm display. The average price on the market for electrical appliances is 1,500 rubles.

Picooc mini wh

Picooc mini wh

pros
  • all collected data is stored in a personal account
  • 12 different measurement parameters
  • there are recommendations to achieve this goal
Minuses
  • only weight is displayed, the rest needs to be viewed in the application.

Biometric scales with the ability to synchronize via Bluetooth. All basic indicators are measured - the proportion of water, fat, muscle and bone tissue, the result is shown in percent. They also have many useful functions, such as determining the metabolism, the percentage of visceral fat, physiological type, metabolic and biological age, as well as analysis of the general condition of the body. All measured information is displayed on a small display with backlit characters. Maximum user weight should not exceed 150 kg. Prices for the device start at 3 thousand rubles.

Tanita BC-587

Tanita BC-587

pros
  • accuracy of data output
  • high functionality
  • have a backlight display.
Minuses
  • determination of biological age is limited to 50 years
  • special sensitivity to flooring.

Quality scales with support for weight up to 200 kg. Measure the percentage of hydration, the content of fat, muscle and bone mass, and also determine the total BMI. They have a person identification function and store up to 4 users in memory. Of the nice features - Athlete mode, general body condition, the ability to determine biological age and physique. The average cost of the device is 5 thousand rubles.

REDMOND SkyBalance 740S

REDMOND SkyBalance 740S

pros
  • stylish design
  • many functions
  • convenient application on a smartphone
  • accurate measurements
Minuses
  • price
  • constant internet access required

Multifunctional scales with the ability to synchronize via smartphone or PC. Data is displayed in the convenient Ready for Sky app. Measure the percentage of hydration, determine the amount of adipose, muscle and bone tissue. Identify up to 8 users. Additional useful functions are body definition and a special mode for sports people. Management is via a smartphone or a small display on the case. Scales withstand up to 150 kg. The cost of the device is 3 thousand rubles.

Bosch PPW3330

Bosch PPW3330

pros
  • low measurement variability
  • advanced technology without metal plates
  • build quality and materials
Minuses
  • a perfectly flat floor surface is required
  • incorrect amount of indicators (total number exceeds 100%)

Diagnostic scales from the manufacturer Bosh. Suitable for people weighing up to 180 kilograms. Analyze indicators such as hydration, mass fraction of body fat, the amount of muscle and bone tissue.They have high measurement accuracy and a special mode for athletes. Remember and identify up to 10 users. The nice features include the automatic inclusion and shutdown of the device. The cost is from 2.5 thousand rubles.

AEG PW 5653 BT BK

AEG PW 5653 BT BK

pros
  • accuracy of measurements
  • convenient application
  • do not require calibration
Minuses
  • on soft or uneven floors shows an error
  • problems downloading the application

Smart scales with synchronization via Bluetooth. They have a convenient application for tracking the dynamics of weight loss and muscle gain. Suitable for people weighing up to 150 kilograms. There is an identification and memorization function for up to 9 people. Scales analyze the percentage of hydration, the amount of muscle, adipose and bone tissue, and also calculate the total BMI. The features of the device include touch control. Prices range from 3 thousand rubles.

UNIT UBS 2200 BKGYTanita BC-730 RDXiaomi Mi Body Composition ScalePolaris PWS 1860DGFBeurer BG 17Picooc mini whTanita BC-587REDMOND SkyBalance 740SBosch PPW3330AEG PW 5653 BT BK
TitleUNIT UBS 2200 BKGYTanita BC-730 RDXiaomi Mi Body Composition ScalePolaris PWS 1860DGFBeurer BG 17Picooc mini whTanita BC-587REDMOND SkyBalance 740SBosch PPW3330AEG PW 5653 BT BK
Platform materialglassmetal + plasticmetal + glassglassglassmetal + glassglassmetal + glassglassmetal + glass
Maximum load150 kg150 kg150 kg180 kg150 kg150 kg200 kg150 kg180 kg150 kg
Measurement accuracy0.1 kg0.1 kg0.05 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg0.1 kg
Unitskgkgkg / lbskg / lbskgkgkgkg / lbskgkg / lbs
Memoryyes, the number of users - 12yes, the number of users - 5yes, the number of users - 16yes, the number of users - 12yes, the number of users - 10there isyes, the number of users - 4yes, the number of users - 8yes, the number of users - 10yes, the number of users - 9
Pricefrom 990 rub.from 2880 rub.from 3190 rub.from 1400 rub.from 1490 rub.from 2650 rub.from 5100 rub.from 2990 rub.from 2566 rub.from 2289 rub.

To summarize

The analyzer scale is a useful acquisition for those who monitor their health. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account not only the characteristics of the device, but also the accuracy of the measurements. To do this, just stand on the scales, remember the result, and then repeat the weighing in 15-20 seconds. If for the second time the indicators have not changed, then this is the exact device.