A body fat scale is equipped with electrodes that, when stepped on, send a low-level current through the body to measure body fat, water, protein, and weight using the bioelectrical impedance method.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

BIA, or bioelectrical impedance analysis, measures the resistance within a living body. The human body, comprised of water, electrolytes, and various tissues like fat, muscle, and bone, exhibits distinct electrical conductivity properties. Muscles, abundant in water, conduct electrical currents effectively, whereas fat, with lower water content, conducts poorly.

Research indicates that when a specific frequency electrical signal traverses the human body, the impedance value of fat surpasses that of muscles and other bodily tissues. As a safe electrical signal of particular frequency courses through the body, its characteristics alter to some extent owing to the varying impedance values of the body's tissues. Body fat scales assess the velocity and impedance of this current flow to estimate body fat content, thus computing the ratio of fat to other bodily tissues.

Bluetooth

As a practical health monitoring device, body fat scales record data that varies with each use. Most body fat scales on the market can connect to mobile phones via Bluetooth, allowing users to selectively record and review their data over time. This feature helps individuals track changes in their body composition, facilitating better health monitoring and management.

Data Analysis

First, when using a body fat scale, you will be prompted to enter your height, age, and gender. This information is crucial for accurate measurement and evaluation. Body weight encompasses muscle, fat, skin, hair, teeth, bones, blood, water, and other substances. For the most accurate reading, it's best to use the scale every morning upon waking, on an empty stomach, and after using the bathroom. This ensures the measurement is as close to your true body weight as possible.

Most body fat scales can measure the following data:

- Weight

- BMI

- Body fat percentage

- Basal metabolism

- Body water

- Body fat

- Fat-free body mass

- Skeletal muscle percentage

- Muscle mass

- Visceral fat

- Subcutaneous fat

- Bone mass

- Body age

Body fat percentage

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your total body weight. It is a key indicator for determining obesity. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds and 25 pounds of that is fat, your body fat percentage is 25%. This metric provides a more accurate assessment of obesity. Typically, the healthy body fat percentage for men is 10%-20%, while for women it is 18%-28%.

Body water

The water content of the human body typically ranges from 55% to 60%, with 60% being considered ideal and a ±10% range deemed normal. Higher water content is associated with a leaner physique and lower fat content, as muscles are composed of about 70% water. For women, the standard water content is between 48.1% and 51.5%, with levels below 49.5% indicating higher fat content. For men, the standard range is 52.3% to 55.6%, with levels below 53.6% indicating obesity.

Bone mass

Bone mass refers to the weight of your bones. About 90% of bone weight is calcium, and over 95% of the body's inorganic salts are stored in the bones. Thus, bone mass can roughly indicate the weight of the body's inorganic salts. The normal range for bone mass is 4.5%-5.5% of total body weight.

Finally, it's important to note that single measurements on a home body fat scale are not entirely accurate. While the data may lack precision, the trend information can be useful for long-term monitoring of fitness and fat loss. For accurate detection of various physical indicators, it is recommended to visit a professional institution for diagnosis or testing.