Withings, a prominent French health tech brand
has been a pioneer in the realm of smart scales. The Body Scan, Withings its current flagship scale, is not just about tracking weight; it goes beyond to provide a range of health assessments, emphasizing cardiovascular health. Priced at $399.95 in the US, €400 in the EU, and £349.95 in the UK, this smart scale aims to be a connected health station.
Key Features:
- Precision Weighing: The scale boasts four weight sensors providing precise measurements within 50g.
- Comprehensive Health Metrics: It calculates and charts BMI, BMR, and Metabolic Age, offering insights into overall health.
- Body Composition Analysis: Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, it measures muscle, fat, bone mass, and more.
- Arterial Stiffness Measurement: The scale employs Pulse Wave Velocity to assess arterial stiffness and calculate Vascular Age.
- 6-Lead ECG Feature: Approved by medical device regulators, it detects atrial fibrillation, a common cardiac rhythm disturbance.
Distinguishing Features in Regions:
– US Version: Includes Electrodermal Activity (EDA) Score, measuring sweat gland activity for stress assessment.
– EU Version: Provides a “Nerve Health Score” to detect signs of peripheral autonomic neuropathies related to chronic conditions like diabetes.
How It Works:
– Users step on the tempered glass scale, grasp the handle, and wait for the integrated assessments to complete.
– Measurements include weight, BMI, BMR, Metabolic Age, body composition, arterial stiffness, and ECG data.
Review and Critique:
– Mixed Results: Some measurements are medically cleared, while others lack universal benchmarks, impacting accuracy.
– User Experience Challenges: UI/UX issues, unclear instructions, and occasional errors hinder seamless usage.
– Promising Future: Withings plans to expand Body Scan for B2B use and envisions it as the foundation for future health products.
Conclusion:
Withings Body Scan offers a promising yet evolving experience. While its potential for personalized health tracking is evident, software refinements are needed to enhance user-friendliness. The scale’s integration of diverse health metrics makes it a valuable tool for fitness enthusiasts and those with specific health concerns, but users should approach non-regulated measurements with caution. As the company continues to iterate on the software, the Body Scan has the potential to become a long-term investment in proactive health management.
