Smart scale "BodyFit": Withings promises measurements at X-ray level
On July 1st, Withings is launching its new connected scale, which is said to rival precise X-ray methods for measuring body composition.
(Image: Withings)
French manufacturer Withings announced on Tuesday the market launch of its new connected home body analysis scale “Withings BodyFit” for July 1st. The model, which is to be offered at a list price of around 250 euros, offers segmental body analysis, divided into individual legs, individual arms, and the torso, similar to the well-known "Body Scan" model. However, the BodyFit is positioned below the already available model in the product range: the new scale does not offer a 6-lead ECG or the determination of vascular age via pulse wave velocity.
However, BodyFit is also said to perform at the highest level regarding body composition determination. According to a clinical study from last year cited by Withings, the measurement method used, based on bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) with 13 frequencies up to 800 kHz, even approaches the DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also called DEXA) X-ray procedure. It has a correlation of up to 99 percent for fat mass and up to 98 percent for muscle mass. DEXA is considered the reference method for bone density measurement.
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Withings dedicates a page to the study in its blog, although with little information about its execution. From the press release, it appears that Withings and Mon Stade, a sports and health center certified by the French health authorities, compared the manufacturer's 6-zone body composition measurement with DEXA in 80 participants. The Body Scan was used, so owners of the model do not need to switch to the new model for measurement accuracy.
Integrated Handle
According to Withings, what is new is that an integrated, extendable handle enables a comprehensive 6-zone body scan in just ten seconds. This means the scale delivers measurements up to three times faster than many other smart scales with segmental body analysis. In addition to four electrodes in the handle, four more are used in the platform during measurement.
(Image:Â Withings)
We stumbled upon the fact that Withings still speaks of a 5-zone body scan for the Body Scan on its website, unlike the BodyFit. When asked, the manufacturer explained that the six body zones continue to refer to the arms, legs, and torso in the new model. Additionally, visceral fat is now included as an additional measurement in the zone view. Visceral fat was previously reported separately but is now also visible directly in the body zone analysis. The Body Scan has already received this update, so the display has been adjusted accordingly.
(nij)
