Recently, I shared my results using a bioelectrical impedance body fat scale, and I’ve had loads of questions about how these scales work and what the readings actually mean.
So, let’s break it down.
Bioelectrical impedance scales send a small electrical current through your body to estimate body fat, muscle mass, hydration levels and more. They can be a useful tool, but they’re not 100% accurate. Things like how much water you’ve drank, if you’ve just eaten, hormone fluctuations, and for women, the time of the month, can all throw the readings off.
The key is consistency.
If you weigh yourself at the same time every week under similar conditions, (same food, same water intake) you can start to see trends over time. But the results should always be taken with a pinch of salt. They’re more of a guide than an exact measure.
For some people, using body fat scales can be helpful. But if you’re someone who stresses over what the scales say or gets hung up on the numbers, adding this into the mix can do more harm than good.
It’s also worth mentioning that they can be especially inaccurate for women due to things like hormonal changes and water retention.
The scales can give you some guidance, but they’re not everything.
Progress is so much more than a number, how you feel, how your clothes fit, your energy levels , and how you’re performing day-to-day all tell a much better story.
Keep things simple, don’t overthink it, and always focus on the bigger picture!