1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Anyone use a "smart scale" to track bone mass?

Posted by heartme @heartme, Mar 24 11:59am

I bought a very inexpensive "smart scale" to track my bone mass between my recent Dexa and my next scan in two years. It spits out a "percentage" of bone mass while others seems to give an estimate of bone weight. I'm just looking to use one to track my bone trends to see if I'm going up, down or maintaining.

Has anyone here used one and if you have, did it match your next Dexa as far as more or less bone density? Any specific scale you recommend?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

beanieone | @beanieone | Mar 25 8:19am

Wow, heartme!

Why have I never heard of this scale; if it works, it could be an invaluable tool for OP treatment by letting us have an eye on what’s happening to our bones without having a DEXA and help docs in prescribing meds.

Thank you! Gotta go consult Dr. Google!! Cheers!

REPLY
1 reply
idlehands | @idlehands | Mar 26 3:32pm

I've also never heard of anything like this. How does it work? My bone scans have been done by a camera-like machine that scans my body. How can a scale do that? Did you compare results with "professional" DEXA results and get comparable numbers?

REPLY
1 reply
heartme | @heartme | Mar 26 3:44pm
In reply to @idlehands "I've also never heard of anything like this. How does it work? My bone scans have..." + (show)
@idlehands

I've also never heard of anything like this. How does it work? My bone scans have been done by a camera-like machine that scans my body. How can a scale do that? Did you compare results with "professional" DEXA results and get comparable numbers?

Jump to this post

Smart scales use "bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body composition by sending a low-level, painless electrical current through your body and measuring the resistance it encounters."

They are NOT a Dexa scan and do not offer T scores. They scan for bone "mass."

The scale I bought (there are many on the market) states that my bone mass is 3.7% and according to their chart mine should be 4%. I don't know how it compares to T scores. I just had my Dexa and it will be another two years so I am hoping it will help me track my bone trends (up, down or maintenance.) I was hoping someone here would have more experience.

REPLY
1 reply
heartme | @heartme | Mar 26 3:45pm
In reply to @beanieone "Wow, heartme! Why have I never heard of this scale; if it works, it could be..." + (show)
@beanieone

Wow, heartme!

Why have I never heard of this scale; if it works, it could be an invaluable tool for OP treatment by letting us have an eye on what’s happening to our bones without having a DEXA and help docs in prescribing meds.

Thank you! Gotta go consult Dr. Google!! Cheers!

Jump to this post

Right?!?!

I had never heard of it either until a Facebook friend posted about her scale tracking her muscle weight. I just happened to see in her photo that is also listed "bone mass" and I was like WHAT???

I'm new to this too!

REPLY
idlehands | @idlehands | Mar 26 4:18pm
In reply to @heartme "Smart scales use "bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body composition by sending a low-level, painless..." + (show)
@heartme

Smart scales use "bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body composition by sending a low-level, painless electrical current through your body and measuring the resistance it encounters."

They are NOT a Dexa scan and do not offer T scores. They scan for bone "mass."

The scale I bought (there are many on the market) states that my bone mass is 3.7% and according to their chart mine should be 4%. I don't know how it compares to T scores. I just had my Dexa and it will be another two years so I am hoping it will help me track my bone trends (up, down or maintenance.) I was hoping someone here would have more experience.

Jump to this post

This is good to know. Even lacking a direct T-score comparison, it still lets you know which direction you're going. Thanks.

REPLY
idlehands | @idlehands | Mar 26 4:21pm

And since I asked the question, here's information I found that expands on what @heartme shared. https://fitnesslifeadvisor.com/how-do-smart-scales-work-are-they-accurate/

REPLY
idlehands | @idlehands | Mar 26 4:23pm

And of course, it's "buyer beware" 😲

REPLY
beanieone | @beanieone | Mar 26 4:39pm

I read the article from idlehands which seems to be in sync with other articles. These scales can be a useful tool in “long term” monitoring of - among other measurements - body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. The warning is that there can be some inaccuracies related to variables - time of day, hydration level - however, they can be helpful in managing our health by watching trends over time.

I also noted that a four-point connection was better than two and I found a reasonably-priced unit that has a pull-up handlebar for use while conducting the scan. Might just have to get out that credit card … 🙂. Thanks again heartme! Cheers!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.