Withings, a pioneer in smart scale technology, has been producing Wi-Fi-connected scales for over a decade. Their latest product, the Body Comp scales, provides a breakdown of body composition by including measurements of vascular age, visceral fat, and nerve health, in addition to the usual weight and body mass index (BMI) measurements. The Body Comp scales cost $210 and come with a year’s subscription to Withings’ Health+ fitness service. This service provides practical advice on workouts and meal suggestions to encourage healthier habits.
The author, who upgraded from Withings’ previous Body+ scales, spent several weeks with the Body Comp scales and Health+ service. They found that while the scales connect to Wi-Fi directly, making it easy to track measurements without a nearby phone, the measurements of vascular age, visceral fat, and nerve health were not essential. The author was also underwhelmed by the Health+ subscription fitness service.
The Body Comp scales come with four AAA batteries included, providing 15 months of battery life if used once daily. The scales support up to eight users and can identify users by weight, though this may not work for people at a similar weight. To get accurate measurements, users should stand still on the scales in bare feet.
The Health Mate app displays charts of weight over time, allows users to set goals, and provides advice. While users need to dig into the app to see longer-term trends, they can customize the display to show the statistics they want. The scales can also export data to various apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.
In summary, the Withings Body Comp scales are a pricier version of the Body+ scales, with additional measurements that may not be essential for most users. The Health+ fitness service may not be worth the cost. However, if users prioritize tracking their body composition, the Body Comp scales offer an easy-to-use, customizable solution for tracking various measurements.
