- More then Weight
Monitors weight, BMI, full body composition (body fat, muscle mass, water percentage, bone mass). - Ultra-Precise Body Assessment
Understand the breakdown of fat and muscle mass in each part of your body (Arms, Legs & Torso). Use the handle to precisely monitor body metrics, including visceral fat and basal metabolic rate. - Heart Health Assessment
Identify heart health changes by getting a vascular assessment and standing heart rate measurement at each weigh-in. Plus an FDA cleared 6-Lead ECG with Afib detection, the most common heart arrhythmia.*ECG is not intended for use for pregnant women and babies* - Sweat for Better Health
Evaluate your sweat glands response to stimulation and unlock your EDA score. You can use this insightful metric to better manage your health on a daily basis. - High Precision Weight Measurements
Follow your weight precisely (50 g), thanks to our patented tech and exclusive Position Control Technology that will guide you to the correct stance. - All-in-one health app
Monitor all your daily health metrics with the free Withings app for iOS or Android, where you’ll see trends, progress and daily inspiration for long-term improvement, while enjoying best-in-class privacy. - Multi-user friendly
Automatic recognition for up to 8 users, plus dedicated modes for babies, pregnancy, athletes, and those who want to track weight without seeing a number at weigh-ins. - The Withings Scale Experience
Enjoy a high-res color screen, 12-month battery life, and seamless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth sync to our app, which is also compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit. - 3 months of Withings+
Experience an enhanced in-app health experience offering targeted guidance to build sustainable, long-term health habits. Explore daily missions and customized recommendations from an exclusive library of content including articles, recipes, workouts, and much more. - Scan Monitor 2.0
Withings Body Scan includes Withings Scan Monitor 2.0, an ECG hardware and software incorporated in Body Scan that allows recording a 6-Lead Electrocardiogram and detecting A-fib. Always consult your doctor before changing medication or treatment or in case of questions.
-36%
Withings – Body Scan – Connected Health Station – Black
$192.00 Save:$107.00(36%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
| Weight | 9.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14 × 12.8 × 1.10 in |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1 year |
| Product Length | 14 inches |
| Platform Material | Glass |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Talking Feature | No |
| Color | Black |
| App Compatible | Yes |
| Body Metrics Measured | Body mass index |
| Product Height | 1.10 inches |
| Power Source | Battery-powered |
| Voice Assistant Built-in | No |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 1 year |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Battery Size | N/A |
| Compatible Fitness Tracker(s) | Withings Trackers |
| Weight Measurement Units Supported | Pounds |
| Product Weight | 9.7 pounds |
| Color Category | Black |
| Product Name | Body Scan – Connected Health Station |
| Brand | Withings |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
| Healthcare Account Eligibility | FSA |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 396.8 pounds |
| Product Width | 12.8 inches |
| Number Of Users In Memory | 8 |
| Display Size | 3.2 inches |
| Model Number | WBS08-Black-All-Inter |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion |
| Scale Type | Digital |
| Carry Handle(s) | Yes |
| UPC | 3700546707957 |
Reviews (43)
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RobWLINY2 –
When it comes to body composition, the Withings Body Scan Scale is the scale I was looking for over the last decade, even if it is a bit more expensive than a scale without these features. When I received my segmented body composition (in the Withings Health Mate app), I could see that, as somewhat expected, my torso had much worse body fat than my arms or legs. On a bright note, my torso was also classified as being in the ‘highest’ category in muscle mass.
The FDA-Cleared ECG feature requires activation from the Withings App (It’s on the customize screens option for the scale). After activation and the first recording, the wait was about 1 day for activation. My ECG readings came back as “Normal Sinus Rhythm” with my heart rate at the time. The readings are shown with second markings, and you can see each of the 6 readings plotted by selecting which one to see. There’s even a play button that scrolls the reading.
My metabolic age, according to the scale, was about 8-9 years older than my real age. It does recommend gaining muscle to improve this. I had just recently started some light (dumbbell) weight exercises, so maybe I’ve got motivation now to do more move that number in a better direction.
According to the Withings app, my BMR is about 250 calories a day LESS than MyFitnessPal estimates. That is, if I set MyFitnessPal to maintain (not lose) weight, it would set my goal as exactly their BMR which would be about 250 calories more. That means, if the Withings app is right, I will lose weight at a slower pace than MyFitnessPal would estimate.
I’m intrigued, but didn’t know much, about the electrodermal activity score. My EDA scores have been in the ‘normal’ range (50 or over) so far. Interestingly, for me, the documentation in the app suggests EDA is a marker of the effect of emotions over time, so maybe I can use this as an additional data point to indicate how my mental health is.
It’s great that this comes with a rechargeable battery, which is charged with a standard USB-C power adapter. You can check the battery power remaining from the app at any time, and when it is charging, you can tap the button next to the USB-C port to see the charging percent.
The color screen looks real nice, though admittedly in my case to read the smaller print I need to wear my glasses and read out of the distance portion of the lens (meaning I need to tilt my head way forward). In theory, all the readings should be available in the Withings Health Mate app, so if I cannot read something when I’m weighing in it’s not that big of a deal). The scale seems to make vibrations as it takes readings, which may help indicate whether it’s done if you are not looking at the display.
The Withings health mate app is something I’ve used for the last seven years, and I have a lot of data in it. It has historical data on weight and body composition. Segmented body composition is shown as a body diagram which is color coded and shown with a percent for each zone (arms, legs, torso). While there is a history of body composition (charted), it’s not immediately clear if there is a segmented body composition history as opposed to just the current data. You could always take screenshots to preserve readings. You can also see all the other data in the app, such as the EDA Score, and ECG readings. The app is easy to use, and I’m comfortable with it. The app also syncs to popular services like (on android) MyFitnessPal, Samsung Health, Google Fit, Android Health Connect, and more. I’ve even found medical records systems like FollowMyHealth can sync data from Withings.
Besides the app, Withings also has a website where you can view your weight and (as of this writing) your non-segmented body composition charted. I use the website frequently, though it definitely does not have all the information available in the mobile app. I’m okay with that, but am glad both the website and app are available.
Please read the cleaning instructions (perhaps, all the instructions) if you get one of these. I’ve found in the past that improper cleaning (such as using some sprays) can damage the scale.
I would highly recommend this scale if you want to keep an eye on health metrics such as with the FDA-Cleared ECG (Heart Health), Electrodermal Activity (Emotional Health), Segmented Body Composition (where you’re carrying fat and muscle), Metabolic age, and weight (including BMI). For me, having the segmented body composition is the best part, and everything else that it measures is a ‘bonus’.
Waggly –
The Withings Body Scan has created a curiosity and desire in me to learn more about my body. I’ll be honest, I picked this scale up because it is one of the few that syncs with the weigh management programs that I use. While it wasn’t a big deal to manually type in my weight each day, the thought of rolling out of bed, stepping on the scale, and then not thinking about it the rest of the day was appealing. I am happy to report that this scale accomplishes that goal seamlessly. It shoots the data up to the cloud over wifi, and my apps pull it down the next time I open them up. Done.
This scale is NOT cheap. Is it overkill just to get a weight into a couple of different fitness apps? Absolutely. That said, however, I quickly found that all the additional data provided by the Withings Body Scan smart scale is very intriguing. I was drawn to the numbers and felt a need to understand these new elements of my health journey.
After only a week on this scale, I found myself diving deeper into the numbers I was seeing. Having an understanding of muscle, fat, and bone composition, plus some data around heart function has turned out to be quite motivating for me. I now have a much clearer understanding of where I need to focus my attention. I know when I’m underhydrated, if my muscle mass is growing or shrinking, how the visceral fat around my organs looks, etc. Not only does this scale tell me how much I weigh, but it helps me understand my overall health picture like I’ve never experienced.
On top of all the cool data, and what I’m learning about myself, this scale also helps me to validate and tweak my diet and exercise choices. The apps that I use estimate my Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) to create a daily caloric goal. However, I now have a much more accurate picture of my BMR that I can use to compare to my other apps. Having additional data points helps me dial in my caloric goals along my journey. Having confidence that I’m doing the right things helps with my motivation to keep after it.
It’s simple to use. Build quality feels premium. It’s heavy, and solid. Setup is easy. You download the Withings app, and it guides you through the process. The app is free but you do have to create an account so there is a place to store your data in the cloud. You simply grab the handle, pull it up to your waist, and step on the scale. You don’t have to use the handle for weight, but some features, like the heart monitoring and showing you where you have fat and muscle on your body don’t work if you don’t grab the handle.
It takes about a minute to get a full set of readings. At the end of that minutes, you’ll have more data than you know what to do with, plus you’ll know your local weather and air quality for the day just because they can. I have no way of knowing for sure that their data is accurate, but I can tell you that it is consistent. Even if it isn’t perfect, and it may be for all I know, it moves as you would expect it to move when you make changes to your lifestyle. That alone gives me confidence that I’m working with a quality piece of equipment.
Withings offers a subscription service that will provide you with daily challenges and guides to help you meet your specific needs. I have not tried this service. What I find refreshing, is that nothing is locked behind the paid service. You get all of your data whether you subscribe or not. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether you need their additional coaching and guidance. Had I not already been invested in some other apps that help in those areas, I would have given Withings + a try. If their subscription content is half as good as their hardware, it’s likely worth it.
This is an expensive scale, but it blows other smart scales out of the water. If you are a data nut and enjoy statistics and trends in your health journey, you’re going to love this product. I’m having fun learning about myself, even if the numbers are telling me I have a lot of work to!
yogidang –
This is the best scale I’ve ever owned, period. I was skeptical of how accurate all the things the Whitings body scan claimed it could read. But after some comparisons using some of the other equipment i had in my home, I have to say it is pretty dead on. The information that the scale evaluates is quite invaluable for me to keep track of my health. All this in one machine that actually looks so good. It can be placed in any high end home or business and looks like it belongs and not just your average scale. Actually, it doesn’t even look like a scale. I have this placed in my living room, and honestly, it doesn’t feel out of place.
Now, this unit is very weighty. It feels like a well built solid machine. It is definitely something that you will not be moving around much after you place it. The set up is really easy. After short charge, I downloaded the app and the app has a great tutorial on every thing it’s capable of. I am the type that like things simple and thought this machine might be information over load, but in actuality, all this information has help motivate me to eat better and exercise more. By jumping on the scale every morning and comparing the results from the day before, I’ve actually been more conscious of the things I eat and do throughout the day. I actually look forward to see if there was any changes from the day before. The app keeps track of all your results. This scale is a definite must have in any home for any one who is serious about their health.
TechnicallyWell –
## What does it measure?
The Withings Body Scan measures a lot more than a standard body fat scale:
– Weight: This is a measurement we’re all familiar with and probably most afraid of.
– Body fat percentage: Theoretically, the body fat percentage on the Withings Body Scan should be more accurate than scales that measure through your feet only, as the Withings Body Scan includes a handle that you hold, so it gathers measurements from both your upper and lower body. I found that the readings seemed to be very accurate (at least, it was inline with my previous scale). I also like the app summarizes trends, such as “gaining muscle” to help take the emphasis off your weight reading alone.
– Segmental body composition: I found this feature to be very cool! This shows a 3D model of a human body and shows your fat and muscle mass percentages in 3 different areas of the body: the arms, legs, and torso
– ECG AFib detection: Interestingly, my first reading had to be reviewed before the results were revealed to me (I believe this depends on your state of residence). Much like the ECG feature on the Apple Watch, this features measures your heart for 30 seconds to check for AFib (but it does not detect a heart attack).
– Vascular age: I haven’t been able to get this feature to work yet. The scale has been showing an error, but neither the scale nor the app tells me what is wrong or how to fix it.
– Electrodermal activity assessment: This measurement supposedly measures sweat gland activity in your feet. It’s interesting, but not really a measurement I know much about. Oh great, something else to worry about. 🙂
## What else does it do?
– Color display: I like the little animations that show up on the display. It helps make the results easy to understand, and you can even configure it to show the weather and air quality for the day. A nice touch as most people will check their weight in the morning.
– Wi-Fi: My old scale was Bluetooth-only, meaning I would have to unlock my phone, open up its app, wait for it to connect, then finally step on the scale. Some mornings it was a struggle to get it to connect to my phone and I would have to wait until the next day to see if it would catch up on the missed readings. The Withings Body Scan connects directly to my home’s Wi-Fi and uploads my stats without needing to open anything on my phone. You can open the Withings app later to review your results and sync with Apple Health. And if you wanted to, you still have the option of Bluetooth.
– Apple Health support: I like that most of the stats sync over to Apple Health with the rest of my information. Some things, like the ECG and Electrodermal assessment, do not sync at this time as I don’t believe Apple Health offers an API to developers for them.
## Any gripes?
– A little slow: Sometimes, it can take 5-8 seconds to settle on a weight. As it teeters between .4 and .5 and .6, I find myself thinking, “just pick a number already!” And after that, you have to wait for the other readings one by one. I wish it could do some of the readings simultaneously, like start the 30-second ECG while it (slowly) measures my weight.
– Vascular age: As I mentioned earlier, the scale will simply show “Error: Vascular Age” on the screen. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, and I wish the scale or the app would state what the issue is or some recommendations for next time. UPDATE: On day 4, it finally took a “vascular age” reading, but the app informed me it would need 5 total reading to generate a result.
## Summary
Overall, this is a very cool scale that goes beyond simple weight and body fat readings. It helps visualize where your body stores fat (and muscle), performs an ECG, and checks electrodermal activity. I like that this scale provides guidance on your body fat trends, as some would argue that this is more important than tracking your weight alone. It can even export everything into a summary PDF that you can share with your doctor.
uicc676 –
This body scan scale is very impressive, it analyzes/measures six different body metrics. Setup is accomplished by downloading the Withings app on a mobile device and following the instructions to activate all the functions. Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The functions performed and metrics measured are weight, body composition (fat & muscle mass), electrodermal activity, heart rate, vascular age, and ECG. The ECG requires opting in and giving permission for it to be analyzed. Vascular age requires five daily readings for it to analyze before giving results.
The app is very good, it’s easy to understand and navigate, and encourages daily use. Daily use is the best way to get good measurements as it will average the readings and track results of daily measurements. Unfortunately, to get full access to all available reports, analysis, and a weekly health improvement score you have to subscribe to Withings+, for $9.95 a month or yearly for $99.50. More about this in my summation.
I believe the accuracy of readings is pretty good as they are in line with other health apps I’m using. The ECG is especially useful as a graph is provided which can be downloaded and shared with your doctor. You can also connect to other health/activity apps and also share a complete health report.
The body scan scale can also be shared with other family members. The initial user can send an invitation to others to download the app and use the scale. My wife and I are both using it. The app gives directions on how to switch users on the scale and it will display the current user’s name so you know the results will be reported for the correct person.
This body scan scale does what it claims, is easy to use and understand. It’s excellent for tracking health parameters and progress. Too bad you have to pay extra to get all the benefits. They’re already charging a very high price for this item, they ought to include full access to all reports and analysis. I guess if you can afford it, it’s worth it.
Jturn –
The Withings Body Scan has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of tech that I own (and I own a lot). It combines ease of use with health information that is, to my knowledge, completely unmatched in the consumer space. Anyone that has concerns about your cardiovascular health (or your health in general), I HIGHLY recommend you consider adding the Body Scan to your health routine.
I’ll start with the cons. I have very, very few; in fact, the only one I can think of is that the ECG functionality took a while to reliably kick in, and the process was slightly confusing. The app is very clear that before you’ll get regular ECG readings, your first reading needs to be evaluated. From what I could tell, there’s nothing in the way of information around who (or what, since this could be algorithmically evaluated) is doing the evaluation. Secondly, the period of time while you’re waiting for the evaluation to complete, and thus for the ECG feature to be fully enabled, is not well defined. You have to just wait. This is the totality of things that I can view as a con with the Body Scan.
The list of positives is long, but can be summed up into a single sentiment. The Body Scan is an incredibly comprehensive device that gives you a wealth of health information in return for virtually zero effort. It simply just does its thing and works flawlessly in my experience thus far. My favorite aspects of it, though, are the thorough ECG readings, the cardiovascular age estimation, and the body composition statistics. These three measurements in particular work in tandem to give you a much more holistic health viewpoint than any other consumer level health tracking device. The 6 point ECG measurements, in particular, frankly blew me away. When I showed the output to one of my friends that works in healthcare, he was also impressed, saying “wow, that’s a more comprehensive reading than what we use in the ICU.” That’s a pretty big complement. Finally, the fact that the scale can be used wirelessly with a seemingly phenomenal battery life really makes this a completely flexible addition to any home.
I’ll quickly mention the Withings+ subscription service. It seems to be customary these days for expensive health tracking devices to be saddled with monthly/yearly subscriptions. However, while Withings does have a subscription service in Withings+, I’ve found that it in no way hinders the value of the Body Scan. All the essential information is included without a premium subscription. I commend Withings for bucking the industry trend of locking valuable information behind a paywall. I hope this will be the case always.
Assuming these measurements are scientifically sound (which I have no reason to believe they aren’t), this scale truly does revolutionize home/consumer health tracking. I can’t say enough how much this thing has reframed my understanding and perspective of my own health. As someone with cardio issues in my bloodline, the Body Scan has become an essential fixture in my day-to-day routine. As someone that also owns a Withings Sleep tracking mat (which integrates beautifully along side the Body Scan in the Withings app), I feel like I finally have a truly comprehensive understanding of my overall health. If you are considering the Body Scan, I can’t highly recommend it enough.
Bryan –
If you were to ask me ten or even five years ago, “Would you buy a $400 scale?” I would have laughed hysterically. But after a few minutes, I’d wonder, “Well, what does a $400 scale do that a $20 doesn’t?” And that is where we stand with the Withings Body Scan Connected Health Station. It’s not just a scale that measures your weight. By the end of using it, your weight will be the least exciting aspect of it all.
Most of us struggled with staying active during the COVID years of 2020-2022. That is when I purchased the last generation of the Withing Body Scan. It helped me track my weight loss and management and helped me with how much I was losing my BMI, bone density, and heart rate. It was great. Each Monday morning, I’d get on the scale and see the weight coming off week to week, and I knew it was a healthy weight loss because it’d be 1.0-1.5lbs per week I’d be shredding.
Health isn’t only connected to our weight. There are so many other aspects to consider when “getting healthy.” And that is where the new gen shines! This will monitor weight, BMI, and full body composition (body fat, muscle mass, water percentage, bone mass), but do it accurately. Your doctor will ask you for the information!
The scan monitor 2.0 is “an ECG hardware and software incorporated in Body Scan that allows recording a 6-Lead Electrocardiogram and detecting A-fib.” The attached handle can enhance your statistics to very accurate numbers. You can trust that you’re getting accurate readings with this thing.
An interesting new metric popular in today’s fitness apps and devices is the EDA (Electrodermal Activity Score). This US-only wellness metric indicates your nervous system’s control of sweat gland activity in your feet. Electrodermal Activity Score measures and assesses the activity of the sweat glands in the soles of your feet and helps manage your overall health as part of a healthy lifestyle). I’ve heard this be referenced as a “Stress test” a few times. The sensors on this Body Scan will also measure that metric to help you manage if your body is overstressed, even if you don’t feel it necessary.
We’re all living faster lives than ever. And we get stressed more than in years past – at least, it feels that way. It’s a good idea to stay on top of that. And you can with this scale. Having everything packed into this “health station” is excellent.
Withings is a respected company regarding quality. So far, in our home, we have the Thermo Smart Non-Contact Thermometer, the Sleep Tracking Mat, and the Body Cardio Smart Scale. I’ve been impressed with all of these devices. They’ve all sustained a lot of use throughout the last 3 years.
The app that connects to all these devices is very thought through and gives users an effortless experience navigating the different statistics and devices. Many companies’ apps are not built with the same care as their products, but with Withings, I can safely say they are.
You’ll soon look forward to measuring your progress. This makes it so easy. However, there is an added cost to this consistent measuring. There is a subscription associated with all the data you get from it. If $400 isn’t enough, you’ll be paying monthly to keep getting the full benefits of the scale. That’s too bad, but everything has a subscription to it these days, and Withings is no different. It’s a shame because staying on top of your health is very important – we shouldn’t need a subscription. With that said, Withings does give you 2-months free to help you figure out if you want to keep it going after that.
All in all, I’d encourage anyone who’s looking and who can afford it to get this to help them with their health journey. It sure does help with staying on top of what you need to focus on, even with the subscription.
Mahtin –
Before getting the Body Scan scale from Withings I had their Body + scale for several years and it did serve me well, still does today no issues.
As I was looking for an upgrade and getting all the new features available today I read a lot of great reviews of other manufacturer’s scales. And then I went to the Withings website to see what they have.
The Body Scan scale comes with several key attributes that did convince me to spend the money.
First, how the body scan is done. All other scales I know of send a small electric signal from on of your feet to another, missing basically your upper torso. The Bidy Scan scale send the same signal from your hands through your upper torso down to your feet. That allows not only in my view for a more accurate assessment of the body structure but it also provides a breakdown of your fat and muscles in three separate section, your arms, your torso and your legs. You can see which parts of your body have more fat and which ones have less. Then in the Withings app it compares your fat and muscle numbers to other Withings users in your age group to allow you to see how to stack up versus other folks.
Another feature is the assessment of your vascular age where the stiffness of your arteries is checked and you’re given your vascular age. Withings also offers another feature but only in Europe (FDA has not approve that yet in US, but the feature is there, just not open yet) where even deeper scan of your arteries is conducted. Called Pulse Wave Velocity or PMV for short, it measures how fast your blood travels from your heart to your feet to assess the health of your arteries. It has proved to be very accurate in one clinical study based on my reading. Hopefully one day FDA will approve this in US.
Another unique feature is the 6-lead ECG. The difference is that the scale actually has 6 leads, which in my view is more accurate that what a health watch can do (I also have the Apple Watch which does ECG). The process of getting your ECG also becomes automatic because if you check your weight daily you will also get your ECG done at the same, no need to remember to get it done on your watch or other device.
The scale also comes with other features present on other, much cheaper scales, like the BMR, the visceral fat and EDA. You will get your nerve health score and will be able to see in the app how your score compares to others in your age group.
Of course it also measures your weight and bone percentage. Plus the heart rate. The weight smallest unit is 0.1 lbs or 50 grams. I like how the scale screen displays the trends showing a graph below the number for the last week or so.
The app is robust, gets the information from scale almost instantly and connects and talks to Apple Health. You can easily set up to 8 different users and the process is simple. The scale battery is rechargeable, no need to reinsert new batteries when the old ones run out. The scale is heavier than others we used to have but I would contribute it to overall quality. Everything on the scale looks solid and quality.
Overall when deciding on the scale, which one to pick, I asked myself a key question. Should I focus on the cost or should I get the best? Which features I do care about and how those features can help me be more informed about my health?
Body Scan arteries assessment, ECG, nerve health plus the features present on other scales looked to me like a great value for the money. Plus Withings reputation for accuracy and attention to detail did make a difference to me. Any scale can tell your your weight, Body Scan can do more for you. You’re getting what you’re paying for. Don’t be cheap on yourself. Highly recommended.
JKhan –
When it comes to body fat tracking, bio-electrical impedance has, in the past, been the least accurate with the highest chance of drastic swings from reading to reading. While the majority of digital scales will include some form of tracking, they typical still fall in this category.
Withings is different.
Not sure how they do it, but in comparison to a DEXA, it’s even closer than hydrostatic and Inbody. With latter using similar technology.
It’s sleek and easy to read. It is a bit longer, wider and heavier than a typical digital scale, so keep in mind it may be tougher to tuck away. Being that the design is aesthetically pleasing, I don’t mind it staying in the open.
The app read out seems similar to the ZoZo suit and others I’ve seen. You get a diagram estimating concentrations of body mass. What was surprising is not only was the fat % close to a DEXA, but the diagrams of body mass mappings were similar as well. Being that DEXA scans can become costly, I’m ecstatic with this in-home alternative.
The other readings will help complete a good health profile. The vascular age reading let’s me know how my heart compares to my age bracket. My reading is great at the moment, but having it consistently checked keeps me ahead of the curve.
The electrodermal activity was a bit of a mystery at first. But after analyzing and understanding the results, it is another invaluable tool in creating and sustaining a healthy profile. In other measuring tools, watches, bands, etc., I am typically skeptical in any measurement dealing with stress. I don’t find myself stressing often, but at certain times of the day, it can go off the charts, so I take those with a grain of salt. Understanding how in compiles here in the EA measurement, I feel like I can confidently put some stock into the reading. Stress is a killer, keep a watch.
Combine this with a solid ECG readout and you can get a complete picture on how you are, and what you need to work on.
Sleek, easy to read and feature packed, this will help in any fitness/wellness endeavor you may have.
TechO –
The Withings Body Scan is one of those rare products I rate a high “5 Stars,” yet I cannot recommend to friends and family. While it’s an excellent, unique product, I don’t feel the cost differential between it and Withings other current generation scales can be rationalized unless you need an FDA approved EKG monitor in your scale. I will expand on this later but I felt I should put this out in front. I don’t want readers to feel sucker punched reading paragraphs of positive only to get “not worth the price of admission,” dropped on them at the end. With that, proceed if you want to learn more on my experience and thoughts about the Body Scan.
Before the Body Scan I used Withings’ former flagship scale, the Body Cardio for many years. It’s still like-new, so I can attest to the durability of Withings scales. The Body Scan borrows heavily from the Body Cardio’s classic design. Both of my scales are black with two columns of mirror-like bluish-gray horizontal stripes to guide feet placement. A thick slab of heavy glass tops it for a smooth feel and an easy clean. The black version I have is quick to show dust, so an easy clean is important. The remainder is plastic but does not detract from the scale’s premium aura. Also on the top is the pull-up handle with 6-lead EKG. It also helps compute segmental body composition, the scales other exclusive feature. (While the handle is plastic, the leads, of course are metal).
The Body Scan has a 3.2” color LCD display, an upgrade from the Body Cardio’s monochrome LED screen. It’s sleek & fun eye-candy but functionally not a reason to upgrade. The various data screens transition so fast during a weigh-in I actually find the monochrome screen with its chunky letters and graphs an easier read looking 5.5 ft down.
The internal battery charges via USB-C. Hooray. My Body Cardio use pesky micro-USB. If the battery life of the Body Scan is anything near the Body Cardio’s you’ll only need to charge up once-a-year. No charger is included with the Body Scan but any USB charger works. My Body Scan arrived with 77% battery, and it charged up to 100% fairly quickly – maybe an hour, though I didn’t time it. For my Body Cardio when it gets to about 10% I charge it overnight so I wake up to 100%.
SET UP EXPERIENCE
Set up of the Body Scan is a matter of downloading the Withings App (iOS or Android), initiating a free Withings account, and pairing your home Wi-Fi with the scale. In my case a firmware update was available, and the scale automatically downloaded and installed it. Withings regularly pushes updates to scales.
Once your scale is updated and ready to use you’ll want to go into the app and activate the EKG functionality. This wasn’t immediately obvious to me and had to dig around to discover it ships disabled because additional permissions and terms of service acknowledgement are required. If you want to connect your data with Apple Health, Strava, and/or MyFitnessPal do this now as well – though you can easily flip the connection switch anytime desired.
The scale can remember the profile for up to 8 people. Any of these users can opt for one of the scales “niches” weighing modes in app. (Individual user settings and health data is confined to their respective app and account). These modes are “athlete,” for people who are more muscle than fat, “pregnancy,” “baby” (for an adult weighing a baby), and eyes-closed mode if daily data is too much of a distraction to accomplishing your long-term goal.
THE BODY SCAN EXPERIENCE
I’m a total geek for health data. Much, I admit, I don’t totally understand some of it exactly, but I appreciate how it comes together to create a clearer health picture, over time. For accurate tracking its best to use it around the same time every weigh-in period – be it daily, semi-weekly, or just weekly. So, for example, if you weigh daily do it the same time every day, with all other variables (clothes on/off, before/after a meal, etc.) similar too.
When you hop on – bare feet only, no socks – you’ll grab the bar from the scale or the included wall hook and hold it at your torso. The scale will then start its diagnostics. In order (unless you turn specific ones off in app), it displays 1) weight, 2) weight trend, 3) BMI, 4) fat mass, 5) muscle mass, 6) visceral fat mass, 7) body water %, and 8) bone mass %. Then it gets into what I call “heart and general health”. Here heart rate and EKG is taken. This takes about 30 seconds, and you need to be still or it will fail. When this process completes heart rate is displayed, followed by EKG, vascular age, and Electrodermal Activity Score. As a bonus you get a thumbnail weather report shown as high and low and sun or precipitation icon.
In my use the only thing I don’t like is the vibration and “buzz buzz” sound emitted at the beginning and end of a session. My Body Cardio doesn’t do this so I don’t know if this vibration is functional or a “feature.” I imagine it has to affect battery life. If it’s not functional hopefully Withings will allow users to turn it off in a future app update.
THE APP
The Body Scan screen flashes a lot of information in a short amount of time. Fortunately, you have the app to review it. Every time you step off the scale the results are sent to Withings’ server which you can then view on the app. Overtime it will reveal trends in all the above categories to give you an informed idea where you are health-wise, not just raw weight-wise. And while there are lots of smart scale companies it’s important to trust that company because usually your health data goes its server before it’s relayed back to the supporting app. Withings provides strong encryption and has a clear statement it doesn’t sell health data. I trust Withings, though not blindly, to safeguard my data in this aspect unlike some other companies in this space.
The app itself is modern looking and fairly easy to navigate, if a bit cluttered. With so many data categories, it takes a while to get acclimated. There is a small learning curve to figure out what is where. Some aspects of it, mostly graphs, obviously take time to populate to be of use. You’ll start seeing this after a few weeks. Before then it’s a bunch of dots. The app also provides “education” to help the user better understand everything Withings scales estimate and measure and how it relates to overall health.
Embedded in the app is also the option to subscribe to additional metrics and services. I believe Withings offers a free trial period, but I’m not tempted. The data I get from the scale is plenty right now. However, for sure, the Body Scan’s advertised features and app use related to those features are not subscription based. I’ve read some nonsense on web forums that the scale’s features are themselves by subscription. This is 100% false.
FEATURE HEADLINERS: FDA APPROVED EKG and SEGMENTED BODY COMPOSITION
I’m not going to get into the specifics of each measurement or estimate the Body Scan makes because that would take as long as this review itself. Combined they are a powerful tool to help guide your eating, sleeping, and workout habits or even give you an illustration that convinces you to take charge of your health. Maybe even more important they can reveal when something if off before you can notice or feel it.
That said, what makes the Body Scan different from other Withings scales is the EKG and segmented body scan. So the question is, how much extra clarity on one’s health do those features provide? That, of course, is going to vary person to person, but for me, an active, healthy, but aging Gen-Xer, these features are more of a curiosity than tool, which is why I think one of Withings less expensive scales is better value for money for most people.
As for EKG, nothing I have read from health organizations indicates that this measurement is useful for healthy people under 65. Monitoring EKG seems to be more helpful to those with a family or personal history of atrial fibrillation, or are over 65. Plus, it seems, “at risk” people are better off with a wearable that can instantly alert them when Afib is detected. Personally, the kind of heart data useful to me is my average sleeping and resting heart rate, and when running or walking, my target heart rate, and after a run, my recovery heart rate. That’s the job of a wearable, not a scale.
The Body Scan’s other “headline” feature is segmental body composition. This differs from Withings regular body composition, by, as the name suggests, dividing the body up in categories and showing you the body composition of those individual areas. So rather than seeing a single average fat or muscle mass estimate you see those specifically for arms, leg, and torso. This is cool and somewhat helpful, but, at least to me, not so helpful vs the extra cost compared to that of the Withings scale below the Body Scan. As I see it, I can use common sense to figure out which parts of my body are more muscular or fatty than others, so it confirms the obvious rather than reveals new information to me.
CONCLUSION
Withings does a bang-up job with its scales. I highly recommend them as a general category, but the features of the Body Scan do not justify its cost to me. If you need FDA-approved EKG in a scale, yes, buy it. But, statistically at least, that doesn’t seem to be most people. If you are in that category I would look at Withings other scale options and save some money and spare some buyer’s remorse for overbuying.
Derek –
First of all, the scale is absolutely beautiful. Heavy, dark glass, solid feel; it feels and looks like a premium product. The Withings Body Scan Scale takes things further by adding in a detachable bar that can take pulse and also assists with additional health-related measurements, and provides a mobile device integration element that allows for tracking weight and body/vascular related KPIs.
I’m not really a health nut, and never have been. I’ll occasionally step on a weight scale, but have never really trended my weight. The Withings Scale helps remove some of the difficulty in tracking weight by connecting to the Withings app on a phone, importing data from a health app (such as Apple Health), and then tracking other important signals of personal health such as body mass/muscle, heart rate, and electro-dermal activity. All that is required is standing on the scale, holding the detachable bar in hand, and waiting for 15 or 20 seconds while the scan is performed. If you feel like getting a more personalized action plan to maintain health, you can sign up for a Withings plan. For me, I just like inputting a goal into the Withings app and then tracking the KPIs that are built into the scale.
I like the Scale. I was also able to send an invite to my wife and she installed the Withings app and has been using the Scale too. I like the fact that the Withings Scale already seems to know which one of us is standing on the scale; it pops our name up on the display.
It’s a little pricey, but is high-end, rechargeable, has a nice display, and syncs with the smartphone.
ravedave –
I have had a body+ for several years and used an Inbody scan when I could get it. The withings was good for day to day, but I could not usually afford to keep getting an Inbody scan.
This all changes with this new body scan. It does everything a lower end Inbody can do and probably some of the higher end scans.
One of the hard things to see when you workout is how fat is distributed and muscle. This new scale showed me where my torso fat is, and showed my leg muscles are off balance. Only
A few pounds but it’s good to know.
To be honest there are a lot of things I didn’t understand. But i understand the fat, water, muscle, and bone. So there is a learning curve from my last scale.
A couple of things. When you change a scale even with the same company there will be different notices. I had the 2 scales side by side.
I has a few pounds lighter and less fat with the new scale versus the older scale. This may also be due to the age difference.
If you are using an Inbody and a home scale, use this instead.
My only complaint is the cord for the handle is not long enough.
CraigB –
Pros
High quality screen
Certified measurements
More detailed metrics
Handle can be wall mountable
Phone isn’t needed with Wi-Fi
Can be shared with others
Includes wall mount for handle
Syncs with Apple Health or Google Fit
Consistent results between subsequent measurements
Larger footpad is easier for larger feet
Full body composition gives a more accurate picture
Muscle and fat metrics for left and right shows imbalances
Cons
Easy to hold handgrip incorrectly
Handgrip wall mount only for tile
Vibration motor feels like it rattles
App setup inconsistent an slightly unstable
Large footprint could be a problem in a smaller bathroom
Design and Features
At first glance, the Withings Body Scan looks nearly identical to the rest of the lineup of their scales, particularly the Body Cardio. The first giveaway that this is different weight of the scale. The box isn’t very thick, but it is solid and heavy. Taking it out of the box the most visible difference is the handle grip. When you first indication that the Body Scan is more premium scale. The display is very sharp color display that makes displays on other scales look simple. It almost has a look of an OLED because the black areas don’t seem to have any hint of gray. Overall, the build quality is solid and the scale feels high quality. Included in the box is a wall hanger so you can suspect the handle grip instead of unrolling it each time. The only downside is the adhesive used is intended only for tile. It warns you that use on other surfaces can cause damage. A more universal adhesive would have been nice as the bar isn’t very heavy the retractable cord doesn’t exert much force. As with other Withings scales you can customize the screens and what measurements you wish to take.
Setup and Performance
During initial setup you may find the first part that tarnishes the premium feel a bit, at least at the time of review. Setup worked fine for the first family member, but when they added a pin code for security it was longer accessible. The second family member was invited and was able to perform the setup but the scale would not measure body fat. Then when the family member added a pin their app become locked out as well confirming the first. This suggests there is a problem with setting a pin. Furthermore, after setting a pin measurement no longer synced with Apple Health. After the third day this was caught requiring a second uninstall and reinstall of the app. Then finally the second family member could get their measurements to sync as well as body composition to be measured. ECG followed shortly afterwards. This brought to light another odd quirk. For ECG to be active you have to agree to send the data to a third party to review. Assuming no issues are found, ECG function is activated in a day or two. Well for the first user ECG was activated but for some reason on the scale it still shows as stuck “In Review”. ECG measurements are showing in the app but the scale still acts as they are not working. Hopefully these software issues will be rectified soon. This is somewhat expected as the scale was just released in the United States but it also makes you wonder how this could be happening considering the scale has been available in the EU for a year already. Regardless, the glitches are minor and measurements are taken correctly.
Software hiccups aside, one of the nice things about Withings scales is how they automatically recognize family members and upload the measurements via Wi-Fi. No need to even grab your phone in the morning. Just step on the scale and when you are done the new measurement will be in your records. One thing different with Body Scan was the consistency of measurements. Even on previous Withings Scales there was a slight variation from one measurement to the next withing a few minutes. The Body Scan seems to have reduced the variance between even previous models. Some scales our family have tried could vary by 1 or 2 pounds within less than 5 minutes. The Body Scan typically comes up with the same measurement or at most 0.1 pounds different. Of course, the arrows that indicate when you are standing wrong help but the large footprint of the bottom pads may help as we. Not only does it give the scale more surface on the floor for stability but it also allows those with larger feet to stand comfortably on the scale. While this is good thing for most, it might be a space problem for some as it is quite large. Also, if you have smaller floor tiles that aren’t even it may wobble between them.
The addition of the full body composition measure to the Withings lineup is long overdue. Full body composition scales have been around for a while but not ones that connect automatically upload your results. Also, they haven’t shown body composition different from left to right. First of all, our family has tried a range of different regular and smarts scales. One issue we have had with other scales was the variation of measurements and the claimed body fat. It didn’t match the way our physique appeared or our athletic capabilities. Previous scales kept putting me at 29-30% body fat which would mean I have no muscle definition and would be unlikely to jog a 3-mile stretch without issues. By visual estimations I should be between 20-25% body fat instead of the 30% I was most likely at a year ago. One scale briefly put me at 22% and then proceeded to bounce around 26-29%. The Body Scan measured me just over 21% body fat. Obviously not where I want to be yet but more in line with what a mirror says or my fitness level. Furthermore, while it has drifted a small amount over the past week, the changes have matched closely what I have eaten and when. It makes it much easier to see the effects of food type and timing on my body. It has also been a tremendous help to see the variation of muscle and fat density from left to right. I have struggled with left to right balance noticing muscles on my right sore more often. Well, the Body Scan is the first scale to show me exactly why. I have more muscle mass on my right arm and leg which. This matches how during isolation exercises I struggle to match reps right to left and it jogs often catch myself pushing harder with my right leg leading to hip pain. The Body Scan agreed and showed I am favoring my right side too much and need working harder on symmetry.
The newly added ECG function is unique in that it is a 6-lead system. It still half of the 12 used at a hospital but far more than most other consumer devices. It is a welcomed addition to help get a more accurate day to day picture of the basic health of your heart. One thing to note for iPhone users is that it appears Apple Health allows Withings to sync ECG measurements. Of course, it doesn’t replace any checkups at the doctor, but the increase accuracy should hopefully make it easier to spot problems early but also see how you progress. While vascular age and EDA score may not be as critical, they are useful as not only a starting point in your health but also to better help track progress. Unlike ECG, it doesn’t Apple Health even has a place to sync these recordings.
Of course, while you can sync to Apple Health or Google Fit, you may want to use the Withings app to view your information. Not only does to record and graph all the measurements form the Body Scan, it also syncs your Apple Health or Google Fit records and displays them it what is arguably a more useful format. Not only are the graphs easier to read, but they can also shade the normal ranges to show you where your target range is. For some metrics, such as body composition and weight they also show you the trend line and general of your health. For instance, the Withings app can take the daily weight fluctuations and tell you if overall trending up or down so you can more easily interpret results past normal fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
While the Withing Body Scan still needs some minor rough edges smoothed out in the software, it is a solid offering for those want more metrics on their health. The Body Scan does a nice job of taking care of all the hard work for you and displaying it in a simple and meaningful way. If you are starting or are in process of improving your overall health or trying further to your limits and need to ensure you stay balanced the Withings Body Scan warrants serious consideration.
k1zit –
This has gotta be one of the most comprehensive health tools that has become available for the consumer market in recent times. This body scan is so much more than just a scale that takes your weight measurement and calculates your body mass index. At first, I was a bit skeptical of all of the metrics that Withings claimed they’d be able to measure with this Body Scan scale. However, after trying it for myself and also researching the great lengths that Withings went through to properly calculate these metrics, this is a health tool that I plan on incorporating into my daily or weekly routine (hopefully for the rest of my life so long as Withings keeps making products like this!). If you live an active lifestyle or whether you’re just concerned about your well-being and overall health, this could be a very useful tool in assessing some of your critical health metrics from the comfort of your home.
In terms of the setup, it was very straightforward. All I had to do was download and open the Withings app, hold down the button on the top left of the scale to turn it on, and then use the key code displayed on the scale to pair it to my phone via Bluetooth. The scale immediately performed the latest firmware update to ensure it’s features were up-to-date. Before getting certain telemetry results (e.g. vascular age and total segmental body composition), the scale requires that you weigh yourself at least 5 times so that it may accurately assess and produce these measurements. Weighing yourself is easy and takes about 50 seconds to a minute to do a “full scan” of all of the various metrics. You simply grab the retractable handle, place your thumbs on the electrodes, and then place your feet in the center of the stripes (electrodes for your feet). Within the Withings app, you can customize which metrics the scale will test for which can either minimize or lengthen each weigh-in session.
The amount of useful data that become available on the Withings app after a few weigh-ins was incredibly impressive. One of my favorite metrics is the “segmental body composition”. Not only does it show you how many lbs. make up both your muscle and fat, but it also produces a 3D body render that shows your average fat & muscle mass percentage on your arms, legs, and torso. You’re able to click on these areas of the 3D rendered body and see how you rank or compare to other Withings users of similar age and height. When looking at my body composition graph, I was able to see the progression of my muscle, fat, and bone mass. These results are available for the week, month, quarter, and year. I love having the ability to see if I’m gaining fat and losing muscle (or vice versa) along with the historical trajectory of when these changes occurred. On top of this, you also get your visceral fat index, your lean mass levels, and your water mass. The visceral fat index is a metric of keen interest to me since it helps gauge the healthy levels of the fat behind my abdominal muscles. It is the fat that wraps around the major organs like the liver, kidney, and pancreas. This is the type of fat that is most linked to health issues so I like being able to keep a close eye on it. Fortunately, my readings came back as healthy but I’m ready to take on a more active and healthy lifestyle if I start seeing my levels trend upward. You can also pair your smart watch’s native health app, Google Fit & Health Connect in my case, to track additional wellbeing metrics like steps and your sleep activity. This data can then be imported into the Withings app for a more holistic view of your health. When you pair this additional data with the Body Scan scale & Withings app, you get additional useful statistics like detecting signs of sleep apnea, the quality of your sleep, breathing disturbances, fitness levels, etc.
Some other metrics that I found to be really useful was my electrodermal activity, my vascular age, and my ECG results. The electrodermal activity (EDA) score that you receive is based on your nervous system’s control of the sweat gland activity in your feet. By simulating the nerves to measure the sweat gland activity in your feet, Withings is able to produce a score based on how your nervous system responds. EDA will help track your average stress levels over time based on the intensity of happy or stressful emotions which will ultimately affect your sweat gland activity in your feet. Your vascular age is another useful metric if you’re especially vigilant with your cardiovascular health. As I get older, this is becoming increasingly important to me. The vascular age is determined by measuring the “Pulse Wave Velocity” from the blood ejection in your heart to the blood flow in your feet. The score helps you get an idea of your artery health and evaluates an age for you (as compared to other Withings users of the same chronological age) based on how well those arteries are pumping. Once the Withings Body Scan scale was able to calculate my vascular age, thankfully it was stable and right on the dot with my expected age range. The ECG test on this scale is very impressive. It uses a 6-lead electrocardiogram that is FDA cleared for detecting signs of atrial fibrillation. When you activate this feature, you do have to consent to allow Withings to take this measurement. I was happy to know that my results came back as “Normal Sinus Rhythm” and it gave me a comprehensive graph of all of my readings. It also allowed me to instantly share the results as a PDF within the Withings app. I actually just got an ECG from my doctor a few months ago as part of a routine checkup and I was impressed to find out how similar the data collected by Withings was to the ECG done at my doctor’s office. The presentation (graphs used) along with the results on the Withings app looked very similar to the paper print out of my ECG from my doctor’s office.
And now to finally address the pink elephant in the room: How accurate is all of this data? Without having specific studies or sources that I can reference or cite, I can’t say definitively. However, when researching how Withings tested the validity and accuracy of this data, I was pleased to discover that the Body Scan was designed in collaboration with health experts and doctors in order to assess the accuracy and usefulness of the data. Withings has validated metrics like the “Pulse Wave Velocity” by comparing the results to a sphygmomanometer, which has been the gold standard in measuring cardiovascular health for years. Also, the fact that they went through the arduous effort of seeking FDA approval for their ECG speaks volumes. As someone who has always been into fitness and in tune with their body most of their life, when I correlate my segmental body composition data to my actual body shape and mass in real life, it certainly seems pretty accurate. I think the important takeaway here is that this Body Scan scale can provide some serious biomarker data that can help build a baseline for your health metrics. When you see drastic changes in these metrics, it could be a good idea to consult your physician to make sure everything is in good working order.
Overall, I’m a massive fan of this super advanced Body Scan scale. It has allowed me to get a holistic view of my health while tracking productive or detrimental changes to my well-being. The scale has been extremely easy to use, Withings did a phenomenal job with the app by even including tutorials and explanations of what everything means, and the biomarker data that it produces is invaluable to my health. This is all at the comfort of my own home. The scale is also very well built with a long lasting lithium battery that is easily charged by a USB-C cable (Withings claims up to 1 year per charge!). If you’re someone who wants to take a deep dive into the different factors that are affecting your body’s health in both a positive or detrimental way, this could be a valuable tool to help you assess and reach your health goals.
Adam –
Broken out of the box. Only saves weight and errors out after that. Support is a joke. 3 days and they’re still looking into it; which is to say no one has actually looked at the support case yet. Normally I would return and rebuy but it’s out of stock so I’ll grind through the support process.
codeblue –
This has to be the absolute most sophisticated scale that I have ever used.
I’ve owned scales that measured body fat and body composition before, but the Withings seems to be more consistent.
The scale comes nicely packaged, no assembly required. Upon turning on the scale, you will be prompted to set up a Withings account and then to pair the Body Scan scale with your Withings account. The whole setup process was fairly straightforward, with clear on screen prompts.
Once paired, the scale will remember you, which seems to be based mostly off the weight. The first measurement the scale take is always the weight, and the next screen will show the name that the scale thinks is currently using it. I had no issues with the scale automatically recognizing when myself or my wife were using it, and it always chose the right user. Additional measurements are where this scale sets itself apart. As you hold the handle, it then calculates your body fat percentage, muscle percentage, vascular age, and electrodermal activity. Vascular age is a measurement that supposedly monitors how healthy/pliable your blood vessels are for your age range. The EDA, according to the app explanation, measures electrical activity in your feet and sweat glands which can then be used as an indirect measure of stress/anxiety. I don’t quite understand the science behind this, but luckily my measurements were always in the normal range.
No scale will ever be 100% accurate for measuring body fat composition, as many factors such as hydration levels can affect the readings. But it’s a quick and dirty method which is much faster and significantly cheaper than hydrostatic weighing, which is overkill for the average person. More important to me was the fact that the scale tracks your progress so you can clearly see trends.
krush –
I’ve used the larger industrial body scanners and the body scanners at health food locations similar to this where you hold the handles and step on the metal diodes barefoot and it will provide you a readout of your body statistics. I think the problem I have with these machines is there is nothing 100% accurate to compare to that will provide you with a good sense of accuracy.
Withings makes wonderful products and there is no reason for me to doubt the accuracy of this device. The build quality is great and it’s a good size, doesn’t take up much room at all. Comes with a charging cord and but no plug. This seems to be quite normal with companies not including charging plug adapters these days. I think they all “assume” we have to many, and they are mostly correct.
Don’t be like me, read the instructions carefully and watch the instructional videos. Make sure you pay attention. I found the setup and first use difficult but I attribute it to not fully paying attention when I was reading and watching the instructional videos. After I went back through them, I got a better understanding of what I needed to do to be successful. The app is great and does a great job of walking you through the setup process and showing you how to use the product.
One thing I will note, it asks if you want to import and link other health data with other health tracking apps such as Apple Health in my case. For the sake of fully trying out this product, I linked my Apple health data but I kind of wish I would have kept this separate. It’s almost like datapoint overload with everything else included like steps and distance etc etc. I personally, wish I could have kept the data that I SEE in the app, just the composition information from the scale. I may go back and unlink Apple health eventually.
I love the fact you can add multiple users and the scale is so smart that it actually recognizes the user that’s on it and automatically updates the correct user profile with the user’s statistics. I love the detailed body composition output and the ECG. I’m still trying to learn EDA and Vascular age. Which brings me to my 4 stars instead of 5. Ill caveat this by saying this may be complete user error on my part but I’m doing everything I can to get accurate results based on how the instructional videos illustrated how to use the product. I have a lot of failures. Sometimes the body composition fails, sometimes the vascular age reading fails and sometimes the EDA reading fails. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong at the point of these failures but I can re-take the reading and it will succeed. I will say, I have yet to get a body composition readout of my 11-year-old son. It simply will not work. It fails every time.
Everything considered, this is a very nice tool to have if you want to track your health and progress or just to get a good idea of where you stand from a body composition perspective. I would highly recommend this product.
BIGASN –
The Withings Body Scan is a step towards those health devices you see in Star Trek. It looks like a really cool scale with an odd handlebar, but measuring weight is just where it begins. With every session the Body Scale measures weight, 3 segments of body fat % (arms, torso, legs), heart rate and rhythm, general stress levels through electrodermal activity, and vascular health. It’s a lot to offer in one device, but outside of having trouble getting a reading on my vascular age, all of the other features seem to be working well. The Withings app syncs with Google Fit and allows you to export your scan results, which is especially useful for those closely supervising their health. Where I truly applaud Withings though, is how effortless they make tracking vital health information. No notes, nothing to write down, just hold the handlebar, stand on the scale for a minute and you’re done. Weight, body fat, ECG, electrodermal activity, and vascular health readings are complete. You can even get the weather! All of the results are then automatically forwarded to your phone and progress charted in the app. The results are easy to look up and there’s no shortage of information about each measurement. In some ways it almost seems like it’s overloaded with tiles, but they’re all genuinely useful and the information is broken down well. You can choose to read through them and learn more or simply skip to the good stuff.
My favorite is the 3 segment body fat analysis. It gives you muscle vs fat % for your legs, torso, and arms on a body shaped chart. It’s even color coded to tell you where your results rank vs the general user base. This is outstanding information to have tracking your health, especially if you’re on a weight loss or fitness journey. As someone who’s gotten in a slump working out, seeing what workouts target my torso body fat the best is actually pretty motivating. And to make sure we don’t overdo it, the FDA approved ECG tracks your heart rate, rhythm and scans for signs of atrial fibrillation. It seems fairly accurate compared to other devices I use, but the key difference is how it tracks the trends in your measurements and easily exports them for your physicians. The electrodermal analysis is new to me, but from what I understand it measures an electrical response through the sweat in your feet to determine your average body stress levels. It’s a bit esoteric, but the tiles I’ve read so far are starting to make sense. The Body Scan also does a vascular health assessment, however that’s the one feature I can’t get to work properly. I’ve gotten it to work twice, but you need at least 5 for it to give you an analysis. Honestly though, the 3 segment body composition test and ECG are already huge pros to me. Especially with how easy it is to track trends and export your info.
The Withings Body Scan is promoted as a health check up at every weigh-in and it’s not far from it. To call it a scale would be like calling an iPhone a calculator. It quickly and easily tracks your health measurements with the ability to save up to 8 different user profiles. The whole whole family can use it and get their info sent straight to the privacy of their phones. There’s even an “eyes close” mode that displays motivational messages instead of numbers on the scale. I’ve had body fat analysis scales before, but the Body Scan is leaps and bounds on another level of tech and that’s a great thing. This will be especially useful in these heavy Winter months as some of us are still working off the Winter of ‘22. What a marvelous health tool to have at home. If the Body Scan is within your means, I highly recommend it.
PROS
– Measures body fat in 3 segments (legs, torso, arms)
– Analyzes weight, muscle/fat mass, heart rate/rhythm, sweat/stress activity, and vascular health
– Can save profiles for up to 8 people
– Measures electrodermal activity
– FDA approved ECG
– Amazing body analysis at home
– Scale syncs results to phone app automatically
– Integrates well with Google Fit
– App has genuinely useful tools and a lot of solid information
– Outstanding tool for tracking heart health, body composition, and body stress
– Athlete, pregnancy, baby, and private “eyes closed” mode
– Displays information in a useful way
– Can export health data to pdf to give to your doctor
– 1 year battery life and rechargeable
– Attractive design
– Well built
CONS
– A little trouble initially synching phone to scale, but seamless afterwards
– Hard to see L and R on the handle bar
– Having trouble getting vascular age reading
– App has a lot of tiles
enem156 –
I’ve wanted a smart scale for quite a while, but I’ve had an old one (different brand) for a long time that’s not really a smart scale but it does offer a fat analysis number. The Withings Body Scan smart scale is just what I wanted and it offers so many added features and measurements that is hard to think of it as just a smart scale.
I’m familiar with other Withings products so I can say without reservation that this is a company that is dedicated to fitness and body measurements. Not only are their products well made and built to last, the companion apps are actually very informative and well written. The unit itself has a nice sleek, modern look to it. Through the dark glass top surface you can see the electrode stripes so you can position yourself correctly on the scale. There’s a power button on the back edge along with a USB-C charging port. My scale arrived with 80% battery and Withings claims the charge is good for about a year. Even if it lasts several months, that’s longer than I would have expected it to last and it’s easily charged if and when I need to. The T-handle sits at the top edge and is easy to pull up for measurements. It’s tethered to the scale and retracts itself when your finished. If you prefer, you can use the included wall mount to keep the handle at a convenient height so you don’t have to bend down to pull it off the scale.
Setup was relatively easy and worked without any issues for myself. When my wife tried to add herself however, it got a bit tricky. She had her account set up but the scale would not feed the measurements into it. We tried multiple times with various connection methods and finally got her set up. We found it best to use the WiFi setup and not the Bluetooth method. I think one of the problems we were having was that she had set up the Bluetooth connection and then we tried the WiFi. It wasn’t until after we removed the Bluetooth connection that her link to the scale worked correctly. In the process of figuring this out she sent a message to their customer support and they responded the next day with suggestions we could try, but by that time we had everything working. After we got the setup ironed out, everything has worked perfectly for both of us.
Measurements are as easy as stepping onto any scale, the difference is you need to stay on it for about 90 seconds until all the measurements are taken. The display turns on automatically when you step on the scale and hold the handle. It’s bright, colorful and easy to read and shows you feedback and results as it goes through all the measurements. It begins with your weight and after that shows your name on the display. It comes up by default with my name (probably because I was the first one to set up my account), so when my wife uses it, she has to choose her account. To do this, you lean to one side or the other to cycle through the named accounts until yours is shown. This tells it to which account to sync the measurement.
The Vascular Age measurement tracks your average vascular age in relation to your actual age. Since this is an average measurement, it takes about five days of using the scale to report it’s findings and after that, averages in your daily measurement to give you an average age range.
The ECG measurement is an interesting measurement to be able to take every time you use the scale. You can really track your heart rhythm every day and become aware of any adverse trends should they arise. This is another metric that will take several measurements before giving you any results. But once you get them, you can see the new results every day. It will also assess what it reads and interpret the results for you, which you can read in the app. It also measures your bpm at the time.
The Body Composition measurements are what I found to be the most interesting. This is a really cool way to see the actual composition of all your body areas, fat, muscle and bone. It tracks them separately with the app so you can see how you’re doing over time and recognize any trends. If you want a more detailed breakdown, you can tap on the segmented body composition. Tapping on this graphic starts you off on the Fat Mass tab. This gives you a breakdown of your arms, torso and legs. Tapping on the arms or legs in the graphic will actually give you your measurements for each arm and each leg. You can then switch to the Muscle Mass tab and see the same type of measurements as they relate to your muscle mass. There are a lot of options on this tab and you can view all your measurement data to get a list of all your body composition data. You can even share a complete health report with your doctor. This is a much better way to show your doctor what your measurements are than the standard snapshot of your information at the doctors office.
The last measurement it will show you is the Electrodermal Activity. I had no idea why this was being measured and how this was in any way interesting, but you can find out more in the app by reading about what an electrodermal activity score is. Basically, it’s a marker that can track how your emotions affect your body. This can show your stress levels over time and allow you to recognize stress patterns in your life.
The app itself is a really informative tool in itself. It stores all your measurements for you in a convenient place. It’s intuitive and easy to read. If you have any questions about how the scale measures the different metrics, or even why they’re important or what they tell you, there are “learn more” articles you can tap on to get all of these things explained. You can also sync data from other apps to your Whithings App. For instance, I have a Galaxy Watch that syncs to my Samsung Health app. I was able to sync Shealth to my Withings app and it now shows all my steps, active minutes, calories info and distance as well. You can get and use the basic app for free, but if you choose to get the subscription version, they offer a lot of added programs to help you loose weight or work out. I use the free app the way it is and I can’t believe all the data I can look at and track. Also, if you use any other Withings devices like blood pressure monitors for instance, you can add these devices to the app as well so that all this information is stored in one place. Love the scale. Love the app. A must have device for anyone interested in their body measurements for weight loss reasons, muscle building reasons or just general health monitoring.
Njuice –
Devices for tracking your health are getting better and the Withings Body scan just set the new gold standard. Yes it might be a scale, but it does so much more than track your weight.
PROS:
– Unboxing these I really like the design! It’s seriously a high end look with a great glass like top and some sleek stripes. Setup after that you need the Withings Healthmate app with an account but it’s all pretty easy and straightforward via the app!
– Doing a Body Scan is very easy and quick considering all the tests it does. It measures your weight, body composition, ECG, Electrodermal Activity, and your cardiac age. I’ll add that the scale works best the more you use it as it will better understand your body makeup and you will get more accurate results when the body scan understands you better in that aspect.
– The Healthmate app is essential while using this scale and let me tell you it is an excellent app! It showcases trends with your weight including your BMI and Basal Metabolic Rate & Age. Probably my favorite part is the Body Composition readings in your app. It tells you where your fat and muscle is in three key areas: Torso, Arms, and Legs. This is really helpful to see areas you want to target more or less and just see where you carry most of your weight as well, along with how you are trending with fat loss and muscle gain.
– The more advanced features like the Electrodermal Activity, Cardiac Age, and ECG really bring this to another level too. This helps identify how your overall health is and gives you a better look at things besides just weight muscle and fat, because your heart health is absolutely vital too.
– The Withings app also incorporates with other health apps like Apple Health, so it can utilize the blood oxygen, sleep, heart, and activity tracking on your Apple Watch to better work with the data they are gathering from your body scans and give you an overall view of your health.
CONS:
– The ECG reading is not instant as Withings analyzes it first before giving it to you. This is a minor downside but something to note.
– Although this is a gorgeous looking scale, it does show water marks and other signs of use easily due to its glass like top. It’s very easy to clean but this is the downside of any scale in your bathroom.
BOTTOM LINE:
– This is not a scale, this is truly a health station. The Withings Body Scan looks at your fat and muscle in three key areas of your body, tells you in depth details of your heart and overall health, and the Healthmate app really brings everything into focus. This has immediately become a staple in my daily life and I think it can do a lot of good for people who want to better understand their body’s health and make strides to be better!
bradrobster –
Although I wanted a great new scale with new features, I was not prepared for the depth of features of the Withings Body Scan Scale. I did want to be able to measure more than just weight but really takes health management to a new level. That can even be increased if you opt in for the Withings+ service. Personally, I am not opting in yet. I want to really use the features of the scale first and then if I think I would benefit from its health tracking and “programs” that provide support and assistance in various aspects of health improvement.
Out of the box this thing is impressive, very well built, heavy, solid and all materials are high quality. It has a pully with it that assists in capturing BMI as well as several different aspects of BMI by parts of the torso. In addition to weight, it also captures your Body Composition, Electrodermal Activity, which is measuring an indication of your nervous system’s control of sweat glands in your feet. Believe it or not, that can be a good measurement of stress levels.
It is also able to perform an ECG, leveraging 6 points. This one was tricky for me to enable. You must maneuver a few screens and view a training and then it asks you to enable. You also must give access to the HealthMate app as well to get this working. This is because they want to send your initial ECG to be reviewed by a professional before posting your results back. My initial one was inconclusive.
Additionally, it measures your heart rate and Vascular Age. This is interesting because it means that if the measurement should be as close or less than your actual age, if so, the less likely you are to develop cardiovascular disease.
Lastly, I really like that the scale and app talk to my Google Fit and Samsung Health apps. It helps by also tracking my steps and other things those apps measure. The only issue I have noticed is at times my step count on the app seems like it duplicates adding my steps from each of those apps because it’s 2-3x how many I have actually walked..lol
Overall, I am happy with this scale. It took a bit of setup to really get it like I wanted but now with the integration of my other Health apps on my phone, I really like the measurement and tracking of these items in my life. It gives me real time feedback and motivation to improve based on seeing even the smallest of improvements. I would recommend this to others, it’s a really cool improvement on the traditional scale.
Namdnas –
I’ve currently got the Withings Body+ scale, that I’ve had now for the past few years. I’ve generally liked it and never really had an issue, except once, when it lost it’s sync with my network and app…I did a full factory reset and it resolved the problem. Oh and the fact that it takes physical batteries and isn’t rechargeable was another ding I’d always held against it.
I started my weight loss journey in Mid-January of this year (2023, as of writing this review). I’m now about 9 months in and have lost appx. 60lb. The Body+ scale has worked great for weight, but a few of the other metrics just seemed “off”, on average…they constantly fluctuated in a way that didn’t make sense. Anyway, I seen their new Body Scan scale and with all the progress I’ve made, I thought I’d invest into some new technology and see if I can get some new and (hopefully) more accurate data points.
I received the scale and was immediately surprised by how hefty it was! For a scale, this thing is a chonk, lol. But, it looks sleek and makes up for the heft in functionality. Honestly, I prefer it because it seems to stay put on the floor where I have it, VS. sliding around like my current Body+ scale does. Unboxing was a breeze and I have to say, the initial setup was flawless. This has probably been the easiest device that I’ve set up in a pretty long time. Once I got it connected to my network, it auto-updated the firmware and walked me through the rest of the motions in the app. Didn’t have a single hiccup! There’s also a wall mount that you can use to hold the Handlebar up off the scale, if you want. Due to the location I keep it (not really near a wall), it’s not something I’d use, but I did want to mention it’s inclusion, which was a nice touch! Also, compared to what I was used to on my Body+ scale, I was amazed at how great the screen looked on this new scale and the fact that it actually had colors, haha.
I was on vacation when the scale came, so I got a bit of a late start in the timing of this review. On top of the scale, there is a bar that you pull up to waist-level, before stepping on. This has all the various sensors for the ECG feature and works in tandem with some of the other data points it reads. Anyway, you just pull it up off the scale to waist-level and hold it out a bit, as to not touch your skin or clothing and just step up on the scale. It takes around 45 seconds for a full reading – the ECG alone take 30 and then about 15 seconds for everything else. All-in-all, pretty easy and painless! I believe, as of now, I’ve gotten around 4 measurements in (I don’t always weigh myself every single day). I’m still awaiting my Vascular Age measurement, as it’s still pending because you have to weigh in at least 5 times before it will start displaying this data. As for the new measurements with the ECG and Electrodermal Activity, those have come back in the “normal” range.
Now, I do have an Apple Watch and I feel the data it takes would be far more accurate, so some of the things the scale tracks, such as Daily Steps and Heart Rate are a bit redundant for me. I think it just pulls the Steps from my Apple Health app and I’ve left the Heart Rate measurement on, just to check for consistency between this and my Watch. As far as the rest of the measurements go, it shows me: Daily Steps, ECG, Weight, Body Comp, Signs of Afib, Electrodermal Activity, Vascular Age, Average Heart Rate, Walking (time), High Heart Rate and Hear Rate. It also checks your Fitness Level, as well…which again, is a bit redundant to my Apple Watch (unless it’s pulling that data from Health, I can’t tell).
So far, I do feel that the Body Comp, BMI and other similar measurements on this scale are more accurate than my Body+ scale. However, it did have a slight shock this morning when I weighed in. It gave me a message saying that signs of Afib were detected. This absolutely shocked me as I’ve had the Apple Watch since the very first model and have had the “Irregular Rhythm” detection enabled since that feature has launched. In the many, many years I’ve worn my Watch (daily – from when I wake to when I go to bed), I’ve yet to have an Afib warning. Even when I do an ECG using the App on my Watch, I always get the regular “Sinus Rhythm” detection, which means everything is normal. So, what does this mean? Well, for now, I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve had a Withing BPM device (Blood Pressure Monitor) in the past and while I loved the look, fit and wireless functionality, it was probably one of the worst BP monitors I’ve ever had/used – it was always about 10-15 points off my regular reading, compared to my Omron monitor. I even took it (as well as my Omron monitor) to my Doctors office to confirm that these numbers were or were not actually correct. My Omron BP monitor was within 1-2 points off from what my Doctor read and the Withings BPM was at about a 12-15 point difference…so, I wound up returning it and I’m still using my same Omron BP monitor that I’ve had for the past 10+ years.
So, given the aforementioned Withings BPM (Blood Pressure Monitor device) issues, that’s never really instilled much “Heart Health” confidence for me in Withings. Especially given that I’ve NEVER had an Afib or Irregular Beat notification with my Apple Watch, which I feel is FAR more accurate. I’ll keep the Afib stuff in my readings for now, just to see if maybe it was a one-off fluke and if I detect a pattern or not. I’ll just be more mindful and I’ll do a few extra ECG’s on my Apple Watch as well…but for now, I’m not going to fret over the Afib notification too much. Also, as a side-note, I did just get my Fall COVID vaccine and Flu shot 4 days ago, so perhaps that could be related, as I could feel some mild side-effects over the weekend from it (but feel much better today).
Other than this, I’d still rate this Body Scan scale a 5/5 rating. The build quality is superb, the battery is rechargeable, there’s an included wall mount for the handlebar (if this is your preference, I don’t use it). I feel that all of the weight and body-comp measurements are pretty accurate…but I’m still unsure of the hearth health (ECG and Afib) portions, due to having never had this happen on my Apple Watch and my past experiences that I noted here with the Withings Blood Pressure Monitor. However, I’m not going to hold that against this Body Scan scale in this review, as I’ve just simply not had enough time to determine if this was just a once-off fluke or if it’s accurate or just…inaccurate. I do feel this scale will be able to assist me with my goals of toning up a bit, once I hit my weight loss goal and decide to go that route.
Aaronxx7 –
Withings continues to impress us with more products focused
on monitoring the aspects of our health to help us reach
new strides in a type of self-health-awareness and proactive body conditioning.
If used appropriately, this body scan scale should be able to not only lengthen
but also improve the quality of life for most people.
Of course with anything there is that factor of discipline and commitment
needed to make this body scan as valuable as it can be.
The body scan will help you identify key factors in your health that you
should focus on improving, or give you the peace of mind that you are
doing what you should be.
It starts with the obvious, your actual weight. The scale can be set to kg or lbs, and can be used with up to 8 different users, all users are capable of creating their own separate profiles and health plans through the companion app.
After it grabs your actual weight, it goes a step further and calculates the percentages of body fat and muscle throughout the major sections of your body. It’s really quite fascinating
to get a picture of your body’s fat vs muscle mass. Now, most of us can
tell just by looking in the mirror where the majority of our muscle composition and fat resides.
However, the body scan actually gives you real percentages that could help you target
specific areas for change.
The app also gives you a metabolic age based on your muscle to fat percentages. Reducing the fat percentages and increasing your muscle mass will help to improve this rating.
Track your hydration level and boost your metabolism by achieving an optimal lean mass as shown by your Water percentage score.
However, everyone’s major area of concern should be our torso fat composition,
this is called Visceral Fat. Having a high visceral fat percentage has been known to cause several different health concerns, and can often lead to heart disease, diabetes and other issues. The scale will give you a Visceral Fat percentage everytime you weigh yourself. In the app, you can even get tips on exercise and diet to help reduce your visceral fat.
The app is great at keeping a history of all your measurements so that you can check your current day’s progress to past entries. It even has a separate chart to keep track of your BMI.
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One of the other readings the body scan takes is an EDA reading. The Electrodermal Activity score is actually based off of the sweat glands on your feet.
With breakthrough embedded sensors, Body Scan is the first-ever smart scale that can measure and assess this parameter. With different levels of emotional responses, the sweat glands in our feet actually react differently. Withings has studied these responses and has been able to come up with an EDA score to help people recognize their own emotional stress and mental health. Some people become so used to certain things in their lives that they accept them as normal, and while it might be normal for them over a period of time, it is still a health concern. The EDA score gives us an unbiased look at our own mental health.
Withings understands that a person’s emotional responses can vary from day to day, but this helps to look at these readings over a period of time and gives you an average or pattern to look at. A person’s mental health is a huge factor in their physical health, so I applaud Withings for coming up with a way to try to turn that into a measurable number we can work with.
With breakthrough embedded sensors, Body Scan is the first-ever smart scale that can measure and assess this parameter, delivered via an Electrodermal Activity Score assessing your sweat gland activity
….
The ECG feature is a big draw for most people to devices like this, because it can help to identify potential heat issues. At home ECG’s mainly detect AFib, heart beat and rhythm.
Most at home ECGs usually have only a couple of leads, and they contact the same generalized area. The body scan uses 6 leads between the feet and hands to give a broader and more accurate set of readings.
The 6 lead ECG is similar in functionality to the EKG machines at your doctor’s office, in the fact that they both use electricity to read heart activity and function. The doctor’s office EKG usually has 12 leads that connect to the major areas of your body. This yields a much better understanding of what’s going on with your heart on several different levels. Including what an at home ECG does, but also shows evidence of heart attack or heart damage, thickening of the heart wall, and sometimes it might show clues to other heart disease or artery problems.
All our ECG readings through the scale are sent to licensed professionals, automatically over the internet (all data is private and secure), to review this data and determine if it is abnormal or not. So it might take a day or two to get your first ECG result.
It is possible to get false positive readings (as in evidence of heart attacks/damage/or issue) with virtually any type of recording device of this nature, whether it’s a doctor’s office EKG or at home ECG. Additional tests can help determine a false reading or if more attention is needed, but this should be determined by a professional.
The Withings devices are meant to be an added tool to help you and your doctor keep track of and understand what is going on with your body. These tools should never be looked at as a replacement to what your doctors can provide for you.
….
Another marvel that Withings has managed to bring to our homes is a Vascular Age reading and score.This feature measures the speed at which heartbeat-generated waves move along the arteries. These readings can help determine how well your heart and arteries are functioning. Higher amounts of plaque and reduced function will yield higher than normal scores. If your Vascular Age is higher than your physical age then you might be at risk of vascular diseases.
If you get a Vascular Age score less than your physical age, they call it Supernormal Vascular Aging and this means you are at the lower end of the scale for potential vascular diseases.
…….
Withings uses Bioelectrical Impedance to get most of its readings with the scale.
The different masses and compositions in our body effect how these low level
electrical impulses are carried throughout the body. Withings has used data it’s collected for over 15 years to understand these readings and how they affect our health.
……..
In the app you can also do manual entries for other measurements like blood pressure and workouts, it also pairs up great with other Withings devices like their watches and other monitors.
……….
I would like to point out that the set up of the body scan was a little bit difficult. However, it was partly an issue on my behalf. I set up the scale through the app, and entered the WIFI details for the scale as directed. Although, I could not get any of the readings to enter under my profile. It took a few more tries of this to realize that my WIFI was off on the phone. Even though the initial connection between the phone and scale was through the Bluetooth, all the readings are transferred over the WIFI. So Make sure you are connected to the same WIFI network as the scale after you set it up to start recording measurements under your profile.
I also took quite a bit of time to get the Visceral Age feature to get successful readings. It needs 5 good readings before it can offer a Visceral Age score. I had tried several different things to try to increase the connection between myself and the contact points like adding lotions to my feet and hands to increase the moisture and even gripping the handle tighter, but I still kept coming up with an error on the Visceral Age reading. After contacting tech support they suggested some of the following ideas:
• Ensure that the Vascular Age screen is enabled for any user that wishes to receive Vascular Age measurements. You can do this in the Withings app by selecting Devices → Selecting the scale → Screen Customization → Selecting the user and then adding the Vascular Age Screen
• Ensure that at least one body composition screen is enabled for the scale. This can be either fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, or water content. These can also be enabled from the ‘Screen Customization’ menu. If none of these body composition screens are enabled, you will not receive Vascular Age measurements.
• Be barefoot when on the scale
• Remain still and do not speak the entire time that you are on the scale
• Ensure that the scale’s surface is cleaned (instructions for doing this are found here).
• Have your feet properly positioned on the scale’s surface as shown in the image below:
• It is important that you remain still and not speak the entire time that you are on the scale for Vascular Age measurements to be taken, not just during the heart rate measurement. If necessary you can lightly hold yourself in place against a wall to ensure that you are fully steady
• As dry feet and calluses can prevent Vascular Age measurements from being successful, we recommend that you weigh yourself after a shower
After trying these ideas, the most effective attempts happened 20 minutes after a shower and making sure I had as much of the metal contact points on the handle covered as possible.
I see a cardiologist on a regular basis, and the Vascular Age provided by the Withings Body Scan was very close in accuracy to what my doctor had told me the last time I was there.
So, good job for Withings, bad for me that I am a bit on the higher scale. But hopefully, with this scale and some better choices my physical age vs Vascular Age ratio will improve over time.
The app has excellent tips on how to improve health by exercise and nutritional changes.
But instead of just telling us to eat better and lose weight, it actually gives you suggestions on what types of foods to eat. If you subscribe to Withings+ you get a more engaging experience incl
FrozynHeart –
I’ll get my issues with this scale out of the way first. It can be finicky when you’re getting measurements. Sometimes when I’m weighing myself, it’ll take upwards of 15 seconds to settle on a number; and it took me more days than expected to get some results because the Vasular Age tool kept producing an error and not really explaining why and to date I’ve only got one ECG that wasn’t listed as “Inconclusive” – apparently you have to have a heart rate under 100 to get a result, and I’ve only managed to achieve that after doing a bunch of relaxation exercises immediately before using the scale.
Issues with actually getting the measurements aside, there’s a lot to like about this scale. The display is clear and bright so I can actually read it, they include a wall-mount for the scanner bar you’re supposed to hold so that you don’t have to pick it up every time if you’ve got issues with bending down, and I’ve even been able to get readings from it with the scale sitting on carpet. I haven’t had any connectivity issues aside from one time where it forgot all the users for about three minutes, but otherwise it’s been pretty solid.
As for the data I’ve got from the scale, there’s quite a lot of it. The weight and BMI readings are about as I’d expect, but there’s a lot more – for instance, the scale was able to tell that I was dehydrated by figuring out my water weight. I’m not sure how Withings really does this, but I did notice that the water weight dropping off sharply did match up with me not drinking as much thanks to a sore throat. So, whatever they’re doing does work. The ECG I’m less thrilled about, since it can be hard to get a reading if you tend to have a high heart rate, but having a tool to detect and measure heart irregularity does seem like a great tool to catch problems early or monitor existing problems if you have heart issues. The vascular age tool is another good one – it gives you an idea of how your heart is doing is compared to the average person your age, and indicates that the best score is for it to be less than or equal to your actual age. This can also be useful to have, and a great indicator of if you need to work on improving your physical health. The scale can also tell you about your body composition – there’s a function where it can tell you about your muscle and fat mass as well as your visceral fat and it’ll show you on a graph about how they stack up compared to similar people of your age and height.
tre91396 –
I’ve been a withings user for quite a while. I’ve had several versions of their smart scales over the years, always looking for more insightful ways to track stats about my body & my health. When withings announced the next evolution of their smart scale, I couldn’t wait to get a Body Scan.
The Body Scan smart scale is larger and heavier than previous versions. In the box, you get the Body
Scan, an USB-C charging cord, and a wall mount for the handle. Set up is fairly simple, especially if you’ve had other withings products before. Everything is completed via the withings apps. All that you need to do is have the app ready on you smart phone, go to devices, and the app will guide you on the rest. As with most electronics, as you go thru the setup, there will likely be a software update for the Body Scan. After about 15 mins, you be ready for your first weigh in.
Similar to more recent models, Body Scan will give stats on your weight, body fat, heart rate, vascular
age that are sent to the withings app and to other supported health apps. So what’s different/new about this updated smart scale? The revolutionary features are the Body Scans ability to give you a segmental body composition and the inclusion of a 6 lead ECG. The segmental body composition is really neat. It give you the typical overall body fat & muscle mass stats, and adds in a separate stats for your arms, legs, and torso. This can be super insightful and given you more specific areas to target in your overall health goals. The 6 lead ECG is an upgrade over the typical ECG that’s included in a typical smart watch nowadays. The other thing that I’ve grown love about withings scales, and body scan is no different, is the abilty to set up multiple users in the app and all be able to use the scale to track their data. The scale is very good at detecting who is stepping on, but the user can be changed with a slight lean to the side.Of course all of this health data about your self is effortlessly synced to the withings app and is easily trackable over weeks, months, & years. Body Scan will also give you a trial of withings+, a subscription service that offers an enhanced withings app experience, though it’s not required to use the Body Scan or track data.
Overall the Body Scan is an impressive smart scale. Withings upped their game in the scale space. The segmental body composition is the feature I was most interested in and I’ve been impressed/surprised by some of the results after a little bit of use. The $399 price will scare off some, as it is pricey, but I do think there is value in the data that the Body Scan can give you and help you track important health statistics.
AgentOJ –
Withings claims you experience a full health check up in 90 seconds, and I agree. First thing’s first lets make it clear that this scale is extremely accurate in measuring your weight. Set up was very easy and I just followed the step by step instructions in the Withings app. The scale connects to your WiFi network. Another useful feature is that the scale has a rechargeable battery and the connector is USB C.
I have never had a scale smart or not, that provided segmental body composition. Any time I wanted body composition I had to use the calipers and figure it out that way. The other interesting aspect is the cardiovascular health feature. The Withings Body Scan uses an ECG, Vascular age, and standing heart rate to measure your cardiovascular health. Now let’s refer back to that 90 second full health check up. I whopping 30 of those 90 seconds are solely for the ECG!
All of the data points are transmitted to your phone through the Withings app. I have an iPhone and granted Withings access to my health data. So when I log a run on my apple watch or iPhone, Withings pulls that health data into the Withings app and takes the activity into consideration. When I launch the Withings app I know what my muscle to fat composition is for the various parts of my body, how my heart health is looking, and if I am trending upwards or downwards in the weight loss department. The heart tracking and segmental body composition is what sets this scale apart. Another item the scale tracks is your Electrodermal Activity (EDA) score which measures the and assesses the activity of the sweat glands in the soles of your feet. This score tells you your stress levels over time. This smart scale is the smartest one out on the market and is definitely for those that are serious into their health and are not afraid of having a scale give them the level of detail that the body scan scale is capable of.
lolo –
I was excited to buy for this scale. I tried many measures, every everything works fine except for the Vascular Age. I am getting an error at each measure. No help, or support. I will try for a few days more otherwise, I will return it soon
Terry –
I’ve been wanting to get a smart scale for quite some time. I was under the false impression that the scale would only be good for measuring my weight and automatically syncing that measurement to my smartphone. I had not considered that the scale could do so much more.
This Withings Body Scan can measure weight, body composition, perform a mutli-point ECG, and with their app, provide additional measurements/metrics into your overall health. The app integrates well with the other health data that my iPhone has about me and connects to my activity, so it gives me additional insight into my step count, workouts, and trends. For me, the body composition is probably one of the most intriguing measurements as it allows you to see the composition of fat, muscle, and bone density within your body, and then chart that over time. This has given me additional insight into how my workouts affect the overall composition of my body.
The ability to seamlessly use this for multiple people is a nice feature. On my previous not-so-smart scale, the user had to push a button to cycle through a list of 4 users (named User1, User2, etc). This smart scale uses intelligence (it helps that my wife is 50lbs lighter than me) to know who has stepped on the scale, but provides a simple interface to switch between users. Setting up multiple users didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. While trying to setup an account for my wife, there were some syncing issues and unclear steps along the way. After some trial and error, and deleting her data and starting over twice, we were finally able to get her account setup, synced, and her scans showing up on her iPhone/app.
Another small issue I’ve noticed is that the handle that you hold for performing the ECG and other measurements which is tethered by a spring-loaded, retractable cable, seems to offset the weight measurement slightly. I performed a weight-only measurements, leaving the handle retracted, and then grabbed the handle and performed another weight-only measurement and noticed that the additional “pull” caused by the cable wanting to retract added an additional .3 lbs to my weight. I realize this isn’t much, but it seems like something that could easily be adjusted or accounted for. I’ve considered adding an end stop to the cable to see if it prevents the offset.
Overall, I’m very happy with the smart scale. It has given me new insight into my weight loss journey which, now that I’m nearing my target weight (50lbs lost) and will soon be transitioning into simply maintaining this healthier weight, will hopefully keep me on track. I look forward to stepping on the scale now and seeing how my numbers measure up, and with the additional information provided by the scale and the app, this won’t just be a tool for measuring my weight, but overall health.
VADarkstar –
I am a huge fan of Withings body monitoring scales. My old Body+ scale was my companion for MANY years before a late life internal software upgrade added unfortunate irregularities in body fat measurements.
Since I bought my old Withings scale, the field has been flooded with well-designed and well-reviewed smart scales. This new “Health Station” by Withings is setting the new standard in scales that offer smart body composition analyses.
The daily full-body scan that I receive from this device includes:
(1) Weight (yeah).
(2) Heart rate.
(3) Fat mass and muscle mass segmented by arms/torso/legs.
(4) Visceral fat.
(5) Lean mass.
(6) Water mass.
(7) Trends in body composition (which documents even the most mundane accomplishments!).
(8) Electrodermal activity and vascular age (not what I’m looking at right now).
Some of these details are summarized on the scale in my morning readings – along with daily weather forecast parameters and air quality summaries. Most details and trends are covered in the excellent and intuitive application that Withings provides.
My greatest reaction to this scale is that it gives impressively reproducible results – repeated sequential measurements give nearly identical results. The results feel wholly tied to how I feel about my body – I don’t notice any outsized swings in measurement based on differences in hydration levels or as a reaction to a sudden change in eating habits. Naturally I expect my body composition to vary from day to day, but variations for a big guy like me shouldn’t be all over the place. Because this scale isn’t responding hysterically to my body from day to day, I feel more inclined to listen to its message.
All of what I have said above would appeal to me in a body monitor. But Withings is branding this as a “Health Station.” This new release includes the option to perform a six-lead electrocardiogram (a graphical representation of you heart’s performance). This single scan, alone, requires 30 seconds of your morning routine and utilizes the scale’s pull-up bar which adds contacts for your two palms and your two thumbs (your feet provide the other two contacts). This single feature is covered in a separate and VERY lengthy introductory booklet – kind of a slow-start guide.
For people with a healthy heart, this new sensing and tracking capability won’t be very interesting or helpful. But for other aging people, it might be useful in suggesting variations that might be worth seeking expert advice.
To be clear, the separate product guide included to address their ECG monitoring capability is flooded with disclaimers (consult a doctor immediately if…, do not self-diagnose/self-medicate if…, does not identify all instances of atrial fibrillation…, cannot detect other arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation…, and whatnot). Withings’ guide for this is also a must-read for understanding inconclusive results. This is a rare event where I won’t criticize a device for providing information that is unintuitive – in this case the lack of understanding is on my part and should definitely be clarified.
Withings is definitely overselling the professional quality of this device in their product guide but they’re not wrong: “The Withings Scan Monitor 2.0 is intended for adult patients in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and homes.” This is being used in my home and I’m hoping it can be my portal to pre-pandemic weight and fat levels.
Yes, it takes me nearly two minutes to scan everything every morning, but I like getting the full story as a result. The scale on this device is, literally, the least important feature.
Reliable, consistent, incredible.
stangapds –
The Withings Body Scan scale is a remarkable piece of technology, adept at providing comprehensive insights into one’s health metrics. From tracking visceral fat around vital organs to pairing with native health apps for a holistic health assessment, it’s a tool designed for those serious about their wellbeing. Notably, it also provides useful metrics on electrodermal activity and vascular age, contributing to an understanding of stress levels and cardiovascular health.
A unique feature of the Body Scan scale is its ability to measure Electrodermal Activity (EDA). This fascinating metric gauges the activity of sweat glands in your feet, reflecting your nervous system’s response to stress or happiness. The EDA score, therefore, provides a valuable insight into one’s average stress levels over time. Additionally, the vascular age metric is a boon for those mindful of their cardiovascular health, especially as they age. This feature measures the ‘Pulse Wave Velocity’ from the heart to the feet to deliver a score representing the health of your arteries, and subsequently, your vascular age. Impressively, the Body Scan scale also boasts an FDA-approved 6-lead electrocardiogram for detecting signs of atrial fibrillation. The ECG test is not only comprehensive but also very user-friendly. The results are easily shareable within the Withings app, and the data’s resemblance to that of a professional ECG at a doctor’s office is quite striking.
The question of accuracy is paramount, and in the case of the Withings Body Scan scale, it appears impressive. While it’s challenging to assert outright accuracy without citing specific studies, Withings’ collaborative work with health experts and doctors in the scale’s design and the FDA approval for the ECG feature speak volumes to the validity of its data. The scale’s ability to provide key biomarker data and establish a baseline for one’s health metrics is invaluable. Recognizing drastic changes in these metrics could serve as a timely alert to consult a physician, ensuring optimal health.
The ease of use and the comprehensive functionality of the Withings app, including explanatory tutorials, add to the user-friendly experience. The construction of the scale is solid, and with a durable lithium battery that lasts up to a year, the scale assures longevity. The scale also shines in its ability to accommodate multiple users, making it a great choice for families. It can recognize and differentiate up to 8 users automatically, providing personalized data for each individual. This data is then synced over Wi-Fi to their respective accounts on the Withings app, allowing each family member to track their health metrics independently.
In conclusion, the Withings Body Scan scale is an outstanding tool for health enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of their body’s health. With its host of invaluable features and metrics combined with an intuitive app, it’s a worthwhile investment for your wellbeing.
abctx –
This item is perfect for tracking what your smart watch can do but to a better fidelity. If you are looking for everything possible in a scale then this is your purchase.
KansasMeddlingMom –
The Withings, Body Scan, connected Health Station in black, is really a wonder. First, the aesthetics of its design are sleek, with modern-looking, clean lines, definitely not frilly. This scale will fit in any room, whether that be a bath, bedroom, or any niche you have. It definitely is “art-like” in its appearance.
Next, let me explain my reasons for ordering this and my household’s stats. I am a 64-year-old female, and my husband is 71. We live a very active life, I am still a self-employed CPA and his passion, although retired, is caring, training, and riding at a high-level reining and cutting horses. This takes good health and mental acuity, no matter what your age is. We are health-centric oriented, and concerned- we do not have bad habits, maintain good weight, and use information to change our behavior. To that end, this scale is very tech-centric, and the user needs several additional items beyond the scale-a smartphone to download the Withings app, access to Withings website where an online account is set up, and WIFI in your home. You can sign on with either an email, Google account, or other social media. So, my husband is non-tech and does not carry or own a smartphone. However, we can still get his data because I have set up a profile for him, as part of our household and can gather information through my account for him. This is a game changer because if you wear a watch to try to gather some of this information you have to be within a certain distance of a phone in order to gather the information. By using the scale, you can gather the information and it works because you are within your home’s Wi-Fi. Also, this scale is so much more comprehensive in what it can do, and it is easy to toggle between the household currently using the scale. Oh, by the way, if you do attach the handle to the wall, you need to note that in the app that it has been installed because some of the calculations will be done differently.
This product is not only a scale, but can also scan the user’s body to determine various conditions such as heartbeat rate, EKG, vascular age, EDA-sweat profusion from the feet, etc. By simply pulling up a retractable attached bar, that can also be attached to your wall’s surface about 3 feet from the ground, the user grips the bar that has metal surfaces on both of the undersides of the bar for right and left hand. The 6 lead EKG must first be activated in the app before it will be done which can determine if you are in either normal sinus rhythm or have something else such as AFIB, etc. You can then make these results shareable with your doctor or healthcare provider. So, this scanner scale would be able to do the same thing as the small bar-like machine that you see on advertised on TV where they ask you about your heart.
Although this scale can do so many good and complex health things, as well as monitor results over a period of time, I contemplated giving it only 3 stars. The learning curve for this scanner scale is huge and the support is not what I would rave about. That is my problem with it. So, it does come with various material to read and there are online group postings, but to call someone in the know virtually no way. You have to start at all the online stuff and only then put in a request for a call, and then get a call back. So, if you are not in your home waiting on standby, it is a real pain and very not convenient. We are the purchaser and if you want to sell something very technical to the older crowd some baby sitting with the equipment might be in order. I am still reading and experimenting on how to use the smorgasbord of applications available, but I am also on system overload. This will definitely take me t ime yo figure out and be confident in my “how to”.
Unknown –
I have had Withings scale that measures different parameters in the past but I am excited to explore even the new features this new model has to offer.
Health is Wealth, they say!!!!
Christopher –
I wanted to love this scale, but it so rarely works correctly. Vascular age has measured 2 times out of 10 attempts or so, and HR barely more than that. Withings support has been unable to solve, I’ve worked through all of their troubleshooting steps, but no change.
JustMarie –
The whole point of this scale was to track segments over time, you have to break out an excel or take a screen shot to look at historical data for this. I wish i coukd return it but they have a crappy return policy and make it harder than most companies.
EdB1 –
I’ve experienced inconsistent performance with the readings, particularly the vascular age feature. My attempt at trouble shooting with the support team led to more features not working and unfortunately their procedure does not allow support to act on a warranty claim without more senior approval. I would not recommend at this time.
Unknown –
I had a Withings scale for quite some time. It started acting up some time ago (i.e., randomly switching units) and finally the Body Scan caught my eye as a replacement.
The feature set is impressive, but requires a bit of trust that all the information can in fact be derived from the measurement method. So for a moment, let’s assume it works like that.
The setup is a bit inconsistent and user guidance is generally good. Encounter an unexpected deviation (problem) and it gets difficult. In fact, the scale produced a “failed setup” error at first, but the app saw no problem (never acknowledged a supposed failure).
The scale is attractive and the screen is well integrated. The latter is a big step up from the first Withings scale. But this isn’t an art exhibit and functionality is more important (for a scale).
The handle has a clever feature as it lock into the fixture only in one way to properly orient the left/right side and subsequent hand. Ironically, the scale came with the handle in the wrong orientation and it was just strange that the handle refused to fit in the respective geometry. This is not prominently highlighted in the instructions.
After a few attempts to repeat the setup, the Wifi wasn’t initially well configured and didn’t communicate with the Withings server, the setup completed. There was no status that changed to know the difference, but simply the fact that measurements started appearing in my iPhone app.
Now, with setup complete and generally working, it’s working mostly okay. By that I mean that it generally recognizes the user and most measurements are performed. Weight is very sensitive to the correct foot position. Even within the right placement, I am seeing 2-3 lbs variability (repeating within 5 minutes).
A larger issue is that the scale recently requested a guided setup. That’s not an easy option to find in the app, but it also requires very specific conditions with respect to a maximum time of having been bare foot etc.. (You have to be at least 1 hour “on your feet”–in shoes–before attempting this.)
Some of the advanced measurements have real difficulties to complete every time. Strangely, heart rate measurement is one of them and just this morning first reported 44 bpm (!!!) followed by 75 bpm immediately after followed by a failure to complete the measurement.
This could all be due to user error, but I am wearing a t-shirt and pants to prevent the short cuts from skin contact in the wrong places.
For now, I am not so sure I spent $400 wisely. I do want to like this and find it useful enough to rely on its measurements. I am just not there yet!
KL4512 –
Very cool how it shows your breakdown image of your body and weight/fat/muscle per area.
19901review –
Bit pricy to upgrade prior quality. It took 3-5 days for my “activation” of the ECG, but it seems pretty accurate. As for the other enhancements, it does give you body fat and lean muscle for each “quadrant” meaning your upper left arms, right and bottom right leg and left so that’s cool, but the price just for this is not warranted in my opinion.
ItsMatt –
Inconsistent metrics, constantly have to reset and re-sync to phone. App is frustrating and horrible UI.
It will tell you how much you weigh though and it’s a very nice looking scale.
Joey –
The medical information is excellent for people woth anxiety, very helpful to calm you down
AnselmoM –
the scale has a series of measurements. appears to be accurate. but the app could be simpler and faster.
GAustin –
Scale is high tech and tracks everything easily on the app. It know who the person is that is getting measured. Buying online and picking up at Best Buy was very convenient.