Ten bathroom scales tested in the health tip test
28.9.2018
Translation: machine translated
The magazine "Gesundheitstipp" tested 10 scales with body fat measurement. The results are meagre.
Digital scales no longer just show your weight, but also provide information about your body fat percentage, among other things. The magazine "Gesundheitstipp" took a close look at ten scales. The rough conclusion? Only three were rated "good". There was no "very good" at all. While the weight is displayed accurately to one hundred grams, the measurement of body fat still appears to be rather imprecise. This is attributed to the fact that body scales only measure using foot electrodes. The current emitted into the body, which measures the higher tissue resistance of fat, only reaches the belly button. So if you have more fat deposits on your legs and hips, you will come off worse than someone who has them on their stomach.
What criteria were used for the test
?
The test was carried out by the German ipi Institute for Product Market Research. They focussed on the core criteria of weighing, body fat measurement and handling.
For the former, the accuracy of the display was tested, including with repeated weighing. The following questions were also answered: How does the scale behave on an uneven surface or when the person is not standing nicely in the centre? And does the scale register weight changes of 100 and 200 grams?
When measuring body fat, the results of the scales were compared with those of a professional device. These were values that were collected from female and male test subjects from different age and weight categories.
In terms of handling, it was determined, among other things, how easy the scales are to operate in their various functions and whether they are self-explanatory.
Place 1
Test winner with a score of 5.1 "good"
The "BS440 Connect" from Medisana provided the most precise weight data in the test and did not disappoint in terms of handling. As far as body fat measurement is concerned, it came out on top together with the three other models from Nokia, Fitbit and Terraillon with a satisfactory score of 4.4. [[product:737401]]
Place 2
Score 4.8 "good"
Two models landed in second place:
The "OPS 200" from ok., which we do not carry in our range, and the "Body+" from Nokia, which is impressive in terms of precision. However, an app and an account with the manufacturer are required to manage the measured data.
Place 3
Score 4.7 "sufficient"
In third place is the "Diagnostic 180" from Mio Star, which we do not carry in our range.
Place 4
Score 4.6 "sufficient"
Two models also share fourth place:
The "Active Shape" from Soehnle, which is soon to be replaced by a new model, is somewhat weaker in terms of sensitivity to small changes in weight. On the other hand, it performs well in terms of handling and weighing on sloping, uneven surfaces and also impresses with incorrect weighing positions. [[productlist:372452]]
As already mentioned, the "Aria 2" from Fitbit is one of four models tested that performed best in terms of fat percentage measurement. Once again, an app is required, although creating an account was described as very complicated. It is also the most expensive model in the test series. [[productlist:6862108]]
Place 5
Grade 4.5 "sufficient"
With the same score, two models landed in fifth place: The "Window Coach" from Terraillon, which we do not carry in our range, and the model from Beurer, which performed second worst when tested on an inclined surface. However, the scales - like many of the other test objects - shone in terms of repeatability and sensitivity to minor weight changes. [[productlist:6946292]]
Place 6
Score 4.4 "sufficient"
In sixth place was the electronic scale from "Qualité & Prix", which we do not carry in our range
.
Place 7
Score 3.7 "unsatisfactory"
The "Body fit" model from Caso was by far the worst performer. Its strength clearly lies in its handling. The results for body fat measurement and the test on an inclined surface were quite rubbish. [[productlist:425805]]
Here is the full test report from Gesundheitstipp.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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