August 14, 2019

Do BMI Scales Work?

Weighing in: the accuracy of body fat scales

adult stepping on a BMI scale

When it comes to managing your weight at home, options for digital scales are seemingly endless. But can scales that reportedly measure things like body mass index and body fat percentage be helpful?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Several studies have looked at different digital body fat scales and how they stack up compared to the types of devices that are used in clinical research.

Leslie Heinberg, PhD, Director of Enterprise Weight Management at Cleveland Clinic, says research has found that most of these scales are fairly inaccurate and tend to overestimate body fat percent. Plus the extra bells and whistles on these products can produce distressing results.

“One of the biggest concerns in using these scales is getting the wrong information and it causing unnecessary stress,” says Dr. Heinberg.

Advertisement
The readings might be so discouraging, that they could cause a person to give up or engage in extreme or unhealthy diets.

Data can still be helpful

Getting feedback on weight and body fat percentage can be helpful, however, numbers aren’t always the best measure of healthy behavior.

“Body fat percentage data can be helpful at the beginning of a weight loss journey,” says Dr. Heinberg “But it’s best not to get caught up in trying to measure every day fluctuations.”

Percent body fat is a great thing to keep track of before you initiate a diet or exercise program and checking on it from time to time can be beneficial. But checking it every day or every few days is not going to help your mental health.

Advertisement

If you really want an accurate assessment then make an appointment with your doctor. There are clinical ways that can measure more accurately than what you can do at home.

Related Articles

Roasted Beets with Balsamic Vinegar and Herbs
December 5, 2023
Recipe: Roasted Beets With Balsamic Vinegar and Herbs

This colorful side dish will tantalize your taste buds

variety of food groups containing manganese and magnesium
November 30, 2023
Manganese vs. Magnesium: Two Important Minerals With Key Differences

They’re both essential minerals but do different jobs in your body

holy basil leaves, known as tulsi, on wooden spoon
November 30, 2023
The Benefits of Holy Basil (Tulsi)

This herb offers different potential benefits from the basil you find in pesto

cool tropical smoothie with straw
November 30, 2023
Recipe: Cool Tropical Smoothie

A zesty thirst-quencher that’s dairy-free and vegan

salmon and broccoli over rice
November 29, 2023
6 Foods To Eat for Healthy Joints

Fish, cruciferous veggies, turmeric, yogurt, ginger and green tea all reduce inflammation

skillet of ground turkey stroganoff
November 28, 2023
Recipe: Healthy Turkey Stroganoff

A hearty dish that’s easy to put together

Top view of a bowl of chili topped with sour cream and jalapeños with tortilla chips for dipping.
November 24, 2023
Recipe Adventure: How To Build a Better Bowl of Chili

From meat to beans, we’ve got some ideas to help you create the perfect-for-you chili recipe

Spearmint tea in a glass see through cup with spearmint leaves scattered on the saucer and background.
November 22, 2023
3 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea

This subtly minty beverage can help balance hormones and loosen stiff joints

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad