Floor Scales, Digital Scale, Bathroom Scales, Bariatric Scales

Weight management is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It includes a balance of healthy eating, physical exercise and weight monitoring. Weight management focuses on long-term results that are accomplished through slow weight loss, then maintaining that healthy weight. Managing one’s weight is a crucial factor in preventing many chronic diseases, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

An easy way to keep track of body weight is to have bathroom scales at home for daily monitoring. They are compact and convenient, and have a variety of options and styles to suit specific needs. Bathroom scales are available in analog or digital, and some not only weigh but also perform other functions, can have oversized dials for easy reading, built-in non-slip mats for safety, and even talking abilities for low vision users.

What are Analog Bathroom Scales?

Analog bathroom scales, also called mechanical scales, are the simplest way to measure weight, track weight loss, and set goals. They work on a spring mechanism that does not require batteries, and generally have easy-to-read dials and large foot platforms. The numbers appear at full numerical increments, with lines that mark off weight increases between the numbers.

What are Digital Bathroom Scales?

Digital bathroom scales are electronic, which means they require batteries or an electrical outlet. They can measure many readings, such as lean mass, muscle mass, water ratio, body fat and BMI, along with body weight. Some bathroom scales also display the number of calories needed daily to maintain current weight, or to obtain an ideal weight. The most basic scales display only the weight.

Digital bathroom scales display the weight on a liquid crystal (LCD) screen as a digital number with decimal points, in a large, easy to read format. This eliminates the need to read a dial and enables a more accurate weight measurement. Some digital scales report weight in half-pound increments and some measure down to 50 gram increments. This can cause even a drink of water or cup of coffee to register. They typically have the ability to display the weight in pounds or kilograms, and can be switched with the touch of a button. Some scales will continue to display the numbers for a few seconds after stepping off of them.

Several digital bathroom scales have the ability to estimate body fat percentages. This feature is helpful because body fat percentage is one way to determine an accurate level of health. The age, height and gender is first entered before the scales are stepped on. Then, when stepped on, the display shows the weight along with a body fat percentage. This can be a better indicator of the need to lose weight and get in shape than showing the weight alone. Some digital scales are able to keep track of weight and fat percentage on a daily basis so they can be recalled as needed. But, because body fat percentage varies widely depending on body type, a high body fat percentage may be linked to diseases even if the weight is not extreme.

Digital bathroom scales can also display a body water estimate. This can help determine actual weight versus water weight that an individual may be carrying. It can also indicate if more water needs to be consumed on a regular basis.

Digital bathroom scales are typically made of metal, plastic, glass, or any combination. Many are extremely thin and unnoticeable, able to be slid out of sight underneath a counter, bed or cabinet when not in use. Then they can simply be pulled out and stepped on to determine weight whenever necessary.

What are Bariatric Scales?

Bariatric scales provide actual weight results for those weighing over 450 pounds. Being overweight and experiencing obesity are rising medical problems, causing a much greater risk of acquiring medical issues. These issues include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, asthma, chronic musculoskeletal problems, and obstructive sleep apnea.

How do I Choose the Correct Bathroom Scale?

When choosing a bathroom scale, be sure it measures in increments that are accurate for the specific needs of the individual. Whether it is the dial-type on an analog scale or a digital number on a digital scale, make sure it is clear and in a location that is easy to see. When standing on the scale, the numbers should be viewed easily without having to move around or stand in an awkward position.

How do I Use Bathroom Scales Properly?

First, calibrate the scales to ensure the reading is an accurate one. Analog scales come with a dial or knob located at their base. Use an object of known weight, such as an unopened five pound bag of flour, and place it on the scales. If it reads only three pounds, use the knob to adjust the reading to the correct weight. Every three to six months, repeat this process to keep it accurate.

Before using the bathroom scales, place them on a hard surface, such as a tile floor. Using them on a carpeted surface may cause an inaccurate reading because of the fibers of the carpet. The fibers act as a spring, causing the scales to be less sensitive to the weight.

Always place the scales on a level surface to ensure an accurate reading. Using the scales on an uneven surface can result in an inaccurate reading because of a disturbance of its calibration.

Use the bathroom scales in the morning because eating and drinking through the day can cause a variation in an individual’s weight. It will appear that weight has been gained.

When utilizing digital scales, there is a delay in starting them. There will be a button located at the base that needs to be pressed to turn on. Wait for the display to show zero. Some may flash the zero two or three times, so wait for a constant zero on the display before stepping on the scale. Always stand still while on the scale until a number is displayed on the screen for an accurate reading.

Rehabmart is proud to offer a comprehensive selection of bathroom scales to our customers from respected vendors that include Convaquip, LSS, Independence Medical and Escali LLC.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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