Connected scale: why choose a new generation bathroom scale?
State-of-the-art device on the way to supplanting traditional bathroom scales, the connected scale is making its way into more and more homes. First and foremost from a health perspective, it now seems to be the essential tool for closely monitoring your weight. But what about this “intelligent” device and should we really give in to the trend of connected scales?
What is a connected scale?
When it comes to weighing yourself , there are different devices. For occasional monitoring of your weight, you can choose to acquire a mechanical scale (basic model, equipped with a needle dial) or an electronic scale (analog or digital). But people wishing to follow more precisely the evolution of their weight and their body structure can acquire a connected scale, or impedance meter.
It is a “smart” device, usually connected to other devices (typically a smartphone, a tablet or a “smart” watch) by a communication protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. therefore to effectively, regularly and accurately monitor their weight.
In addition, the connected scales, new generation personal scales, do not only indicate the weight. They also provide a series of information related to and health: BMI , percentage of fat mass , fat mass/muscle mass ratio, bone mass, level of hydration and water mass… Some go even further, and can measure the heart rate, blood pressure, or estimate the daily energy needs of the user.
Who is the connected scale for?
At the beginning of their existence, only professionals (health or sports) were equipped with connected scales. The first models, very expensive, were indeed state-of-the-art equipment, the data of which was essentially used for diagnostic purposes. But with the generalization of household equipment with smartphones and connected devices (“smart home”), coupled with the growing interest in health and well-being, connected scales have gradually become more popular.
These impedance meters are above all recommended for people wishing to closely monitor the variables relating to their weight, as well as athletes (occasional or seasoned). They can also enroll in a sports or health follow-up: thus the data can be transmitted to the professional interested in receiving them: a physiotherapist, a sports trainer or a doctor (general practitioner, sports practitioner, nutritionist , cardiologist, etc.).
How to choose the right connected scale?
Several aspects should be taken into consideration when choosing your connected scale. Compatibility is an essential criterion: it is imperative that the impedance meter works with your devices, whether it is your phone or your tablet. You will therefore need to see if the scale works on iOS or Android and choose according to the operating system of your mobile device.
Then, it is important that the associated application pleases you and is easy to use. So it is better to read reviews before making a purchase, or even ask for screenshots of the application. In addition, you can be fond of advice: it is therefore interesting to know if the application offers coaching programs or an advice service ( nutrition , sport ).
The data provided by the connected scale is also a selection criterion. It may not be necessary to buy a state-of-the-art scale if you only use it to accurately and regularly track your weight. But if, for example, you are overweight and subject to metabolic syndrome , it may be useful to equip yourself with an impedance meter providing you with information on your arterial and cardiac health (control of hypertension).
Another criterion for choosing its connected scale: the display and the design. The screen of the impedance meter must indeed be large and bright enough to allow you to read the figures and indications. Some connected scales, equipped with a small overhead projector, allow you to display your personal information on a wall. As for the design, it is a matter of personal taste, but many people pay great attention to it.
If your whole family must use the connected scale, make sure that the device can accommodate a sufficient number of users. Some impedance meters can track up to eight different user profiles!
Finally, the price is of course another important aspect to consider. For an entry-level connected scale, the budget to plan is around 40-50€. The more complete and precise models are significantly more expensive, around 100-150€.
Latest Smart Scale Tips
First of all, a small precaution for use is necessary: the use of a connected scale is not recommended for pregnant women and people with a pacemaker. Indeed, the impedance meters work from the emission of a sinusoidal electrical current of low intensity through the body, via electrodes. This is also the reason why it should be used barefoot.
Second precision: to bring real added value, the use of a connected scale must be very regular (even daily), and the weighings must be carried out under relatively similar conditions – schedule, outfit, level of hydration… Otherwise , the results will inevitably be biased. For example, a person’s water mass varies depending on the day’s physical activity , since it results in water loss via sweating . Another biasing factor: the menstrual cycle which, in women, influences weight, body fat, body water (water retention)…
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.