Withings - Body Comp Complete Body Analysis Smart Wi-Fi Scale - Black - WBS12-BLACK-ALL-INTER - 3700546708015

Monitoring personal health and wellness is important to many people. In fact, many medical professionals encourage home monitoring to benefit health, wellness or medical outcomes.I currently use both Withings BPM to monitor blood pressure, and Withings Scan Watch to collect and monitor a panoply of other health and wellness data. I also, of course, use the Withings app to aggregate and interpret all of the data from both of those devices.I also closely monitor my weight, as well as monitoring changes to my BMI, however I have been recording that data manually, without benefit of a “smart” scale. After filling many pages with weight readings, I am finally enhancing the process with a Withings Body Comp smart scale which provides a great deal of additional ... MoreMonitoring personal health and wellness is important to many people. In fact, many medical professionals encourage home monitoring to benefit health, wellness or medical outcomes.I currently use both Withings BPM to monitor blood pressure, and Withings Scan Watch to collect and monitor a panoply of other health and wellness data. I also, of course, use the Withings app to aggregate and interpret all of the data from both of those devices.I also closely monitor my weight, as well as monitoring changes to my BMI, however I have been recording that data manually, without benefit of a “smart” scale. After filling many pages with weight readings, I am finally enhancing the process with a Withings Body Comp smart scale which provides a great deal of additional functionality beyond simply measuring body weight. The Withings Body Comp was the obvious choice of smart scales for me, since I am already heavily invested in the Withings device ecosystem. Additionally, Withings recently superseded the original Body Comp model, which had a monochrome display screen, with a new hardware model with a 2.8” high resolution full color screen, as well as some additional features. The new features that are currently available on the Body Comp are Athlete Mode, which uses a different algorithm for calculating fat mass, and Eyes Closed Mode which hides all measurement data from the display screen and replaces the metrics with smiling faces and other “upbeat” graphics to prevent some users from being discouraged by their data readings. I probably would have named that feature, ostrich mode or hide your head in the sand mode. I count myself among the users who are keenly interested in all of the data, otherwise I would not use the measurement devices. Both Pregnancy Mode and Basal Metabolic Rate measurements are promised in future firmware updates.The Withings Body Comp capabilities include numerous metrics, including:• Body Composition Analysis Metrics:o Weight Fat Mass Lean Mass Water Mass Bone Mass Muscle Masso BMI (Body Mass Index, which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight applicable to adults)o Body Fat (Total fat which includes both visible, surface level fat (cutaneous fat) and Visceral fato Visceral Fat (Deep body fat which surrounds internal organs).o Vascular Age (begins reporting after 5 measurements)o Electrodermal Activity (via the sweat glands on the soles of feet)o Heart Rate (BPM)o Basal Metabolic Rate (promised in a future firmware release)Body composition analysis is performed using Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis via electrodes embedded in the glass top of the Withings Body Comp.All data collected by the Body Comp is synchronized via Wi-Fi with the Withings app, which stores all data on the Withings cloud servers. The presentation of the data on the Body Comp display is customizable through selection options in the Withings app. A standard set of metrics is the default configuration, however I do not have much interest in viewing the weather forecast or air quality index while standing on the scale. Several other metrics are far more important to me, and I easily added those while removing the display of the data elements which are less important.The manner in which the data is displayed in the Withings app is clear and meaningful. Many data elements can be displayed in graphic or tabular format. The dashboard presents the most recent data readings. Each data element may be drilled down for additional data as well as examining the full set of all data or viewing the aggregated data over time intervals (timeline: week, month, year). The body composition data elements on the display screen are displayed as percentages, only. However, in the WIthings app they may be displayed as absolute values or as percentages.The Body Comp and Withings app qualify certain data elements with helpful descriptors such as “Normal”, “Optimal”, etc.Withings claims that the Body Comp weight function is accurate within 0.1 lbs (0.05 kg). The Body Comp has four weight sensors, wherein most of the electronic scales that I am familiar with have only one sensor. The Body Comp can store and track data for up to eight users. Users can have their own, private profiles with separate Withings accounts, or multiple users can share the same account and see each other’s saved data. My wife and I share our profile data.A minor annoyance is that the scale does not always properly retain who the last user was, and will switch itself to a different user upon the next use. This has occurred when the idle period was just seconds or if was overnight. This requires scrolling through the user names in order to reselect the correct user (who was in fact, the last prior user). The method for changing the selected user on the Body Comp is not well documented. In fact, the only place where I could find “directions” for changing users is in a brief animation on one of the initial setup/familiarization screens. I could find the information even after extensive searching on the Body Comp Support Site. User selection can be changed/scrolled by momentarily lifting one foot off the scale which will result in the display of the next user name in the list. Replacing the foot on top of the scale selects the displayed name. Obviously, this requires multiple repetitions until you arrive at the correct name to select.Beyond cursory initial use instructions, there is no detailed printed documentation. The Withings Body Comp Support Site has an extensive collection of user information, educational material, explanatory information and all manner of information pertaining to the Body Comp. However, that extensive collection of information is not assembled and organized in a particularly convenient or user friendly format. Many hours might be devoted to exploring each of the separate links and tabs, then backtracking to explore another tab or item, and/or using the webpages search function to hunt for the sought after information. Likewise, the Withings app has many screens and tabs in its “Help” section.I find that attempting to find necessary information is cumbersome and convoluted and requires excessive time and effort. Most information can probably be found somewhere on the site, but it is not organized or assembled in a practical or efficient way. I recognize and acknowledge that some information may change over time, and some information may even be highly dynamic, but many manufacturers of technology products deal with that by compiling a well organized, thoroughly hyperlinked HTML User Manual which contains the complete and comprehensive user information for the product in one location. Even better is a searchable PDF User Manual (whether “printed” from the HTML “document”, or a standalone PDF “document”) which allows users to find everything in one place without plowing through dozens of screens and exploring dozens of links.The Withings Body Comp is sleek and modern in appearance. It is available in either Black or White, and I selected the black version. The dark black, thick glass top is attached to a plastic base which houses the electronics and batteries. The top is mirror-like with its highly reflective surface, and the horizontally and vertically oriented embedded sensors are an even darker, contrasting shade of black.The Body Comp measures approximately 12.75” x 12.75” x just over 1” thick. It is powered by 4-AAA batteries, which Withings claims will operate the scale an average of 15 months (it is obviously far too soon to validate that claim).Setting up the Body Comp is simple, straightforward and quick. Upon powering on the Body Comp by removing the plastic tab which protrudes from the battery compartment (or by depressing the button on the back of the scale), then following the prompts displayed on the scale, the setup procedure is simple. If you are new to Withings, it is necessary to download and install the Withings app on a smartphone (Android or IOS) and create a Withings account to receive and store the data. Being a long-term user of the Withings app with my other Withings devices, I simply needed to add the Body Comp to my Withings profile via the app. The Body Comp initially must link with the smartphone using Bluetooth, but once the Body Comp is connected to a Wi-Fi network all data synchronization is automatically and immediately accomplished upon the completion of each scale reading.I am finding the Body Comp is producing generally consistent readings. Both the on-scale display and the app are kind (or cruel) enough to indicate any trends such as increases or decreases of many of the parameters. For the weight reading, the scale also depicts the increase or decrease since the prior measurement.Clearly, there is no means by which I can easily validate the accuracy of the measurements, but there is no reason for me to distrust the data. The use of a smart scale is more for the purpose of identifying meaningful trends in weight and body composition, rather than focusing on the absolute precision of each measurement. A smart scale is not a medical device. It is, however, a very useful tool for monitoring, managing and improving health and wellness.I am very pleased with the Withings Body Comp, and very glad to have acquired it at this time. This excellent body composition smart-scale is a great addition to our home-health toolkit.

A stylish addition to your home, this WiFi connected scale helps monitor your heath with new metrics and helpful guidance toward meeting your health goals. The free app not only serves as the portal to your measurements and trends, but also guides you to making healthy habits. The new screen is easier to read with its higher resolution and now is full color to enhance how it shows information. This scale’s even longer battery life than the prior models now uses replaceable AAA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery.Pros:* Fast, accurate and meaningful measurements.* Bright, clear screen with impactful color.* Easy to switch between household members if it doesn’t auto-identify.* Integrates with Apple Health, Google Health, and more.* Easy to set ... MoreA stylish addition to your home, this WiFi connected scale helps monitor your heath with new metrics and helpful guidance toward meeting your health goals. The free app not only serves as the portal to your measurements and trends, but also guides you to making healthy habits. The new screen is easier to read with its higher resolution and now is full color to enhance how it shows information. This scale’s even longer battery life than the prior models now uses replaceable AAA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery.Pros:* Fast, accurate and meaningful measurements.* Bright, clear screen with impactful color.* Easy to switch between household members if it doesn’t auto-identify.* Integrates with Apple Health, Google Health, and more.* Easy to set up and modify.* Long battery life (claims over a year) with replaceable AAA batteries.* Rubber feet keep it stationary.Cons:* Doesn’t feel as solidly constructed as my older Withings Body Cardio scale.Some quick comparisons to the older Body Cardio Scale:* Measures a wider range of body weights in smaller, more-account increments.* Measures 9 - 440lbs in 50g increments vs Body Cardio’s 9 - 396lbs in 100g increments.* Higher-resolution color screen.* 320 x 240 color screen vs Body Cardio’s 128 x 64 gray screen.* Longer battery life with easily replaced AAA batteries:* Average battery life of 15 months on 4x AAA batteries vs Body Cardio’s 12 months on its built-in rechargeable battery.* Same size but slightly thicker:* Scale dimension of 12.8” x 12.8” x 1.1” vs Body Cardio’s 12.8” x 12.8” x 0.7”I’ve been using the older Withings Body Cardio scale for years. I have always appreciated its style and build quality, and the measured metrics helps me stay healthy by spotting trends before they get too far out of whack. This new Body Comp scale takes everything I’ve loved and amps it up! The Body Comp is even more accurate than before and has new metrics to provide far deeper insights into my health as I get older.The scale itself is the same basic shape but is just a tad thicker than before (about 1/2” thicker) - perhaps to support the replaceable batteries. This actually can be an advantage to those with robot vacuums as the slightly thicker scale is easier for the bot vacs to bump into rather than roll on top of. The platform is still tempered glass which is easy to clean and comfortable to stand on.Prior models had built-in rechargeable batteries that lasted about a year of typical use before needing to be pugged in to a microUSB cable for a few hours. While the scale was mostly good about letting you know when it needed a charge, it was sometimes inconvenient to stand on the scale for a measurement but be denied as you forgot to charge it. This new scale has replaceable AAA batteries instead, and claims to last even longer before popping out the old for new batteries in an instant. If the scale’s battery is dead when you go to take a measurement, just step off, swap in 4 new AAA batteries that most have lying around, and you’re back up and measuring in minutes rather than hours.The new screen is about the same physical size as before, but doubles the resolution and adds color to make everything easier and more enjoyable to read. Even without my glasses on, I can read the screen more easily now. The use of color highlights bits of info on the screen and doesn’t just add color to the sake of using colors.Setup was super easy with a compatible iOS or Android smartphone for the free Withings app. First remove the battery saver plastic tab under the scale to power it on. On the screen are clear instructions with a QR code to scan with your phone to get the Withings app. Create an account if you don’t already have one, then choose to add the scale to your account. Both the scale’s clear screen and the great Withings app guide you through getting the scale on your home’s WiFi, associating it with your Withings account, and setting up all the basics for the scale. That’s it!As part of setup or at any time later, you can select your personal health goals such as maintaining weight, loosing weight (how much and how quickly), adding muscle, etc. The scale will provide guidance to meet those goals and nudge you in the right direction if the trends aren’t aligning with those goals.Now just place it in a convenient spot where you’ll get in the habit of taking your measurements at a consistent time each day. This is probably in a bathroom or closet, but can be anywhere your scale has good WiFi signal and a flat, stable surface. As part of the account setup in the app, you an add up to 7 more family members (8 total) for shared use. Each family member has personal goals, settings for what is measured and how information appears on the scale’s screen. You can even set up the scale to take measurements silently by adding them to the app and including them in trends and suggestions, but not showing them on the scale’s screen. This might be better motivation for those just starting on a weight loss journey.When you’re ready to take a measurement, just step on the scale to wake it up and start your body analysis. The first thing it does is guess which of the family members is using the scale. It shows your name for confirmation and if it got it wrong, you just lean left or right to scroll through the family members list until your name is shown. All measurements are quick and clearly shown on the screen with colorful animations. When done, it lets you know it’s safe to step off the scale until next time.The scale takes the measurements and shows some basic information on the screen while you’re standing there, but the real magic happens in the cloud and the app. Trends are spotted and guidance is offered with clear and concise summaries that you can dive deep into for charts and raw data. Some people may find motivation in the details while others may prefer to just get suggestions for how to improve. The app makes it easy to get whatever you need in the way you want it. As I’m getting older, key indications of my health before more impactful. I really appreciate being able to monitor my health from home and take action while it’s still easy to do so.Whether you’re just starting on your health improvement journey, a seasoned athlete trying to stay on top of your game or someone who just wants to keep an eye on major trends, this scale will be a trusted and helpful partner for years to come.

This is one of those devices I didn’t think I would need. My current scale only measures weight and I body fat percentage. This innovative device has revolutionized the way I monitor my health and has become an essential companion on my wellness journey. With its ability to measure body fat percentage, body mass, bone mass, heart rate, and even metabolic age, this smart scale offers a comprehensive overview of my overall health status. The app was easy to setup, I simply followed the steps to connect to the scale, enter my height and weight, allow it to access my iPhone health data and the app was setup.One of the standout features of the Withings smart scale is its accuracy. I compared the heartrate from the scale to my apple watch and it was the same. I have ... MoreThis is one of those devices I didn’t think I would need. My current scale only measures weight and I body fat percentage. This innovative device has revolutionized the way I monitor my health and has become an essential companion on my wellness journey. With its ability to measure body fat percentage, body mass, bone mass, heart rate, and even metabolic age, this smart scale offers a comprehensive overview of my overall health status. The app was easy to setup, I simply followed the steps to connect to the scale, enter my height and weight, allow it to access my iPhone health data and the app was setup.One of the standout features of the Withings smart scale is its accuracy. I compared the heartrate from the scale to my apple watch and it was the same. I have found the measurements to be consistent, providing reliable data that helps me track my progress and set realistic goals. The scale seamlessly syncs with the Withings Health Mate app, which displays my results in an intuitive and easy-to-understand format. The app also allows me to set personal targets, monitor trends, view historical data, compare my fitness level to others so I know where I stand.The inclusion of body fat percentage and bone mass measurements has been particularly valuable to me. These metrics provide a more holistic understanding of my body composition, going beyond weight alone. I’ve been trying to exercise more, mostly cardio type workouts, and eating less bad carbs. By tracking changes in body fat percentage, I can assess the effectiveness of my fitness routine and adjust my nutrition accordingly. Having the body fat percentage can be encouraging as well, provided it decreases.Lastly, I appreciate the sleek and modern design of the Withings smart scale. Its slim profile and minimalist aesthetic make it a seamless addition to my bathroom décor. The scale itself feels sturdy and well-built, instilling confidence in its durability and long-term reliability. They also include rubber feet for carpeting, which I don’t need, but can appreciate.In conclusion, the Withings smart scale is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their health and well-being. Its accurate measurements, comprehensive health tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Health Mate app make it an invaluable tool. I highly recommend this smart scale to anyone committed to living a healthier lifestyle and monitoring their progress along the way. At the end of the day, it’s a tool. Like any other thing else, if you are not committed to your health, to changing exercise and eating habits, the smartest scale can only do so much.