Do those scales that tell your BF really work?

[en1222]

Do those scales that tell your BF really work?

If so what are some good brands and/or models?

[rob35145]

Those scales work by bioelectrical impedance. That basically means the scale will send an electrical current from one foot to the other. It tells you your body fat by how long it takes for the current to go through your body. Does it work? Depends. You need to make sure that you are not dehydrated because that will slow the current down. Besides that, it’s just about as accurate as the pinch. I say that because you have to consider human error and depend that the person pinching really knows what they are doing.

[Mandinka]

I have used various models , and currently own an MBO German model. They suck , and the comparison with fat scales is totally out. I've tried many models and they all produce very different answers. Stick to pincers I think or try the water tank test.

[peaker]

i think the scales dont even get close to reading a rough bf %. I reckon i could get a much more accurate idea by just looking in the mirror. At least the pinch gives you a better idea if you are losing or gaining bf.

peaker

[Jenseno9]

I think the best way to measure you body fat would be to just use the same method that way you can tell it you are gaining or losing bf.

[CanadianBD]

The electrical impedance method works only on a quality scale. The $75 wal-mart scale will not work well in comparison to the $3000 scale we have at my gym, which is very accurate. I'm currently testing between 13.8-14.2% regularly as I'm trying to bulk up. But if you buy it for under a grand I highly doubt it's accuracy. MHO

[T$sMechamT/A]

bioelectrical impedance hypothetically should be very reliable, but pinchers seem to be the cheapest method and most used method... some universities offer free bf and other cardio testing through their althetic departments if you are a student.

[Red Ketchup]

I am not sure I would rely on bioelectrical scales for BF% measurement for the simple reason I doubt my feet would make for good electrical conductors.

Somehow I don't think feet that are thickly callused is the ideal place to take such measurements.

Red

[TeenPL]

i think that the bioelectrical impediance scales are bogus. My dad got one and it said i have 26%bf. I got checked a little while ago and was 12%