Do the Body Fat Scales Work?

[cslade305]

I need to upload a pic so I can get someones opinion, but I bought a BF scale. It said my BF was 20 percent. I was a little suprised. I'm 6'4" and at around 230lbs. I've looked a members pics with 18percent BF and they have some rolls going on. Are the scales worth the money they cost or should I take it back?

[repoman247]

In my opinion the scales tend to be inaccurate. Return them and invest in a pair of bodyfat calipers - this will give you a accurate indication of your bf.

[samcam]

In a word - No.

[cslade305]

That's kind of what I was thinking. The $80 is probably better saved for my next cycle.

[AandF6969]

They're a piece of shit. Anything can throw them off.

[SMCengineer]

Garbage. Just get a $20 scale from Walmart.

[FallenWyvern]

Garbage. Just get a $20 scale from Walmart.

I got one from Walmart with the BF% for $15. It works like it cost $15. It does help me see a rate of change though.

Short answer no they don't work.

[wilson9d]

no..

[VIPLV]

LMAO!!!! I'm 5'9 and 205 lbs! I had a trainer take my bodyfat with calipers and my BF was around 15%, I got on one of those scales and it said 28.8%, so there you go! Not accurate!!!!

[AandF6969]

They may be reasonably accurate for the average joe, but if you have pounds and pounds of extra muscle, and are holding water (in/around the muscles) it is not calibrated to recognize those variables.

[bruteman]

I think they actually work pretty good. I think too many people underestimate what their BF is or skew it a little lower. I have one at my house that I check everyday. it says 20% for me, and most people would proilly think I'm closer to 15%, but I think it's pretty accurate. Even if it isn't one thing is sure, it is very consistent on a day to day basis. So, the base line measurement might be wrong, but you still have a good idea if you are steadily losing.