Withings has launched the Body Scan smart scale at CES 2022, and it’s the most advanced smart scale we’ve come across. The new device offers electrocardiogram measurements and nerve activity assessments, on top of body composition tracking for individual body parts.
The ECG measurements are taken using a handle that pulls out from the top of the scale. This is a six-lead sensor with a set of electrodes on each side of the handle, plus another set in the base of the scale itself.
These measurements track your heart rate rhythms and can detect signs of atrial fibrillation. A few smartwatches and fitness trackers now offer ECG measurements, but this is the first time we’ve seen it in a scale. The scale also gives your vascular age, which can show how healthy your heart is by assessing the condition of your arteries and comparing that with the results of others in your age bracket.
The Body Scan scale also tracks sweat gland activity in the soles of your feet by applying a small current. This allows it to assess your nerve activity and sudomotor function. Broadly speaking, a healthy lifestyle will maintain good sudomotor function, so this new measurement is another tool to help assess whether you’re keeping yourself in good shape.
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Naturally, tracking your body composition is also a great way to monitor this, and the Body Scan scale promises more precision than ever on this front. The scale uses multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) via sensors in the scale and its handle to measure things like your body fat percentage, visceral fat and muscle mass, providing more useful insight into your body composition than that gained from a simple weight measurement. Though obviously you do also get told your weight.
Most smart scales offer these measurements, but the Body Scan also provides readings for individual body parts including the torso, arms and legs. Tracking your body fat percentage and muscle mass over time can help you assess whether your exercise and diet is helping to change your body composition for the better, even if you don’t necessarily see huge changes in your weight.
The Body Scan scale has a large 3.2in (8.1cm) screen and the battery lasts a year on a single charge. It comes in black orwhite and will be available in the second half of 2022 following CE/FDA approval for the sensors. The Body Scan scale will cost $299.95 or €299.95, with the UK price yet to be confirmed.
