Smart scale accuracy has been long debated. The best results are probably going to go far beyond the smart scale as they will require similar variables such as flat floors and even the time of day. Since you will be thinking of measuring yourself every day, you should know that this will only be possible with the best accuracy if you maintain variables such as food intake or the time of day.
Smart scale accuracy
Smart scale accuracy may be one of the best ways to measure body fat. But what the debate is missing is that none of the alternative fat measuring methods are not exactly precise either. Before smart scale, people would use all type of techniques for the best results. They even used clippers to make the most out of each measurement and this would often require more than a single person to perform.
It must be said that even this method was not popular. It was too complicated and often times inaccurate. The only true method which seemed to be acknowledged for its accuracy was water submerging.
You would have to totally submerge into a water container and then the difference in volume would be calculated subtracted from the total to give a complete reading. However, even this method has its own critics, not to say that it was complicated to achieve.
This led to the development of the bioelectrical impedance technology which uses low-intensity currents to make body composition readings. These readings can play a crucial role in your overall health status. They can measure your weight, body fat level, bone mass, muscle mass, hydration levels, BMI etc. But there is some variable which can massively impact the scale accuracy:
Time of day
The time of day may be one of the most important variables when determining body composition. It plays a crucial role as changing the time with every measurement will limit the accuracy of any scale. This is why it can be a good idea to do the measurements early in the morning. It means you won’t have any food or water in your stomach and you will be able to replicate the same conditions the following day.
This can also start potential conflicts as users would get significantly different readings every time. This is why they might feel inclined to believe that smart scales don`t have good accuracy.
While it is true that smart scales need to develop in terms of accuracy, it is also true that users need to control the weighing conditions better. Before the largely available smart scales, these conditions would be checked by a professional or even by a doctor. It is now your responsibility to do this.
Hydration level
Together with the time of the measurement, the hydration level plays an essential role in receiving accurate results. This means you`ll need to carefully monitor your water and drinks intake which goes much further than you might expect.
If you are looking into the finer details and are a fitness enthusiast, you need to know that all the drinks we have during the day affect our body composition and reactions. This is why coffee can be considered as a drink which dehydrates the body. That’s why some coffee sellers offer complimentary water with each drink.
Sodas can cause a spike in blood sugar and if you consume such drinks you need to realize they will affect the results of your measurements.
Alcohol is another major influence in this area. This is why you will see people not drinking alcohol for up to a few weeks when trying to push for the best body composition.
Finally, medication can also impact your hydration level to a level you might not even expect. This is why you will need to control these variables. The best way to do so is to stick to drinking plain water and measuring your body to achieve maximum accuracy without other variables such as dehydration.
Floor surface
Another variable which is not discussed enough is the surface of the floor you use the smart scale on. Although you might think you have a flat surface you need to makes sure this is actually the case. If you`re unsure about the impact of the floors on the accuracy of your smart scale you can perform a simple experiment around your house.
You would need to weigh your body on different surfaces around the house. The variable readings you get will be a direct result of the difference caused by uneven surfaces.
So what do you need to do in this case? First, you will need to find a flat surface in your home. Ideally, this would be in the bathroom but it will also depend on the scale`s model as not all options come with rubber feet and can actually be slippery on the tile.
After you find a flat surface you need to ensure all your reading will be done in the same area to maximize accuracy while minimizing variables.
As you can see, smart scale accuracy can certainly be improved with simple and constant tweaks which are made to increase the stability of the measurements. These can be further improved only if you weigh your body using the same techniques. The good news is that once you find solutions which work for you, it will be easier to keep up the standards.
While it is true that not all smart scales offer accurate results, it is also worth noting that most products are performing to an acceptable standard for home use. This is why you will see a slow improvement in the accuracy of the smart scales but not in the direction you would expect.
Some innovative scales will use cameras to photograph your body and ad visual measurements to maximize accuracy. Until then, you need to do all you can to minimize variables such as the time of day, hydration level or the floor surface to make the most out of your smart scale.