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Fact Check: Are smart scales accurate?

Fact Check: Are smart scales accurate?

Published May 9, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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VERDICT
Partially True

# Are Smart Scales Accurate? The claim under examination is whether smart scales provide accurate measurements of weight and body composition. As sma...

Are Smart Scales Accurate?

The claim under examination is whether smart scales provide accurate measurements of weight and body composition. As smart scales have gained popularity for their ability to track various health metrics, questions about their accuracy have become increasingly relevant. This article will explore available research and reviews to assess the reliability of smart scales in measuring weight and body composition.

What We Know

  1. Accuracy for Weight Measurement: A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research assessed the metrological accuracy of several commercially available smart scales. The findings indicated that these scales were reasonably accurate for measuring body weight but not for body composition metrics such as body fat percentage and muscle mass 1.

  2. Consumer Reviews and Testing: Various consumer review sites have tested multiple smart scales. For instance, Verywell Fit reported that out of 30 tested smart scales, only 12 met their standards for accuracy and usability. They noted that while some scales were intuitive and easy to use, discrepancies in body composition readings were common 3.

  3. Recommendations from Experts: Publications like PCMag and Wirecutter have recommended specific smart scales based on their testing. They emphasize that while some scales provide consistent weight readings, their body composition metrics may vary significantly from professional standards 25.

  4. Variability in Results: According to a recent article from TechRadar, budget-friendly smart scales tend to be reasonably accurate but may not match the precision of higher-end models. They also noted that individual factors, such as hydration levels, can influence the accuracy of body composition readings 7.

  5. Limitations of Smart Scales: Many reviews highlight that smart scales often use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body composition, which can be affected by factors like hydration and recent physical activity. This method may lead to inaccuracies, particularly for individuals with higher muscle mass or those who are very lean 19.

Analysis

The evidence regarding the accuracy of smart scales presents a mixed picture. The study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research provides a scientific basis for understanding the limitations of smart scales, particularly in body composition analysis 1. However, it is important to note that this study may have limitations in terms of sample size and the specific models tested, which could affect the generalizability of its findings.

Consumer reviews from sources like Verywell Fit and PCMag offer practical insights into user experiences with smart scales. However, these reviews are often influenced by the testers' preferences and may reflect a selection bias, as they typically focus on popular models that are marketed heavily 35. Furthermore, many of these reviews do not disclose potential conflicts of interest, such as sponsorship or partnerships with scale manufacturers.

The variability in results across different scales and testing conditions raises questions about the reliability of smart scales for body composition tracking. While they may provide a convenient way to monitor weight, the accuracy of body fat and muscle mass readings can be questionable. The reliance on BIA technology, which has known limitations, further complicates the assessment of these devices 17.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that smart scales provide accurate measurements is partially true. Evidence suggests that while smart scales can deliver reasonably accurate weight measurements, their reliability in assessing body composition metrics, such as body fat percentage and muscle mass, is significantly less certain. Studies and consumer reviews indicate that discrepancies in body composition readings are common, and factors like hydration and individual physiology can further complicate accuracy.

It is essential to recognize the limitations of the available evidence. The studies reviewed may have sample size constraints and may not encompass the full range of smart scale models on the market. Additionally, consumer reviews can be subjective and may not always reflect the broader user experience due to potential biases.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider their own needs and circumstances when assessing the accuracy of smart scales. While these devices can be useful tools for tracking weight, users should remain cautious about their body composition readings and seek professional advice for more accurate assessments.

Sources

  1. Accuracy of Smart Scales on Weight and Body Composition. Journal of Medical Internet Research. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8122302/
  2. The 2 Best Smart Scales of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter. The New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-scales/
  3. We Tested the Best Smart Scales—These 12 Are the Most Accurate and User-Friendly. Verywell Fit. Available at: https://www.verywellfit.com/best-smart-scales-4586856
  4. The 6 Best Smart Scales of 2023, Tested and Reviewed - SPY. Available at: https://spy.com/articles/health-wellness/fitness/best-smart-scales-98769/
  5. The Best Smart Scales for 2025 - PCMag. Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-scales
  6. The Best Smart Scales of 2023 - ACTIVE. Available at: https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/best-smart-scale
  7. Best smart scales in 2025: body composition. Tom's Guide. Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-smart-scales,review-3469.html
  8. Best smart scales 2025: Top digital body composition scales - TechRadar. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/best/best-smart-scales
  9. Best smart scales of 2025, tried and tested | CNN Underscored. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-smart-scale
  10. Best smart scales 2025: Track body composition in the. Live Science. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/best-smart-scales

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And they deliberately lied and by the way Jake Tapper had a bombshell 01:08 book exposing the incredible scandal that Biden's mental decline was covered up by Jake Tapper. There's a Yiddish word and that truly is how dare we lie and cover up what we all knew. Now I have been asked literally a thousand times by Texans. Was running the country? And I'm going to give 01:40 you the most terrifying answer. I don't know. I genuinely don't know. And not a single Democrat here cares. The most telling proof of Biden's decline came with the signature of the president. The symbol of executive authority that was outsourced to a machine. Mister Wald you're a lawyer who served in the White House Council's Office. You understand the gravity of presidential action. Does the president's signature 02:10 carry legal and constitutional weight under article two? Yes. Is the act of signing an executive order or signing a law or granting a pardon a delegable duty of the president. 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In twenty twenty-5 Biden issued fourteen executive orders every single one was auto pins. 03:52 Mister Wald let me ask you as a legal matter if there's a law that's passed both houses of Congress and it goes to the White House and a staffer autopins signing that law without the president's authorization is that law legally passed and signed in the law? No. If an executive order is issued and a staffer autopins it without the president's authorization, is that executive order legally binding? No. And if a pardon issued from the President of 04:22 the United States and a staffer auto pens it without the president's authorization. Is that pardon legally binding? No. Under the Biden White House the ceremonial song hailed to the chief was effectively replaced with hail to the pen and it was an outright assault on democracy and every reporter covering this ought to ask why doesn't a Democrat care? We heard about the moral responsibilities of a staffer. 04:54 How about an elected senator who knows damn well that if we get into a war and Iran is preparing to fire a nuclear weapon at the United States that the commander in chief is busy playing with his jello and he's not competent to defend ourselves and every member of the cabinet, the chief of staff, the press secretary, and the members of Congress who lied about this on a daily basis with the press's complicity. They are all responsible for subverting democracy. Angry Ted Cruz is perhaps my favorite version of 05:27 Ted Cruz because when he's getting history on it, you might want to take a listen. He is definitely angry that there's some acting going on here in the line of hail to the chief change from hail to the pen that's not a smart line but it's still the truth. The truth is in this video right here ladies and gentlemen. 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Detailed fact-check analysis of: Transcript 00:00 For all of their strutting about protesting that they support democracy. Not a one of them gave a damn about democracy when they pulled Biden off the ballot and dropped Kamala Harris in without a single Democrat primary voter voting for him. And you know what? Not a single Democrat is here today because not a single one of them gives a damn about the fact that they lied to the American people for four years. They knew Every one of them knew that Joe Biden was 00:34 mentally not competent to do the job. The White House Press Secretary. She knew when she stood in front of the American people and lied over and over and over again and they're not here because they can't defend themselves. It wasn't a surprise for four years the White House hid President Biden from Republican Senators. Would not let him meet with us. He served 40 years in this body. We all know him. 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Fact Check: Are smart scales accurate? | TruthOrFake Blog