Health and fitness brand Amazfit has launched an exciting new product – the Amazfit Body Composition Analyzer Mat. This high-tech scale uses advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure 8 key body metrics.
But how does this shiny new gadget actually work, and is it worth buying? This detailed review provides a complete analysis:
- BIA Technology Explained
- 8 Body Metrics Measured
- Using The Amazfit Scale Mat
- How Accurate Are The Readings?
- Ideal User Cases
- Pros and Cons
- Verdict – Valuable Asset for Health Enthusiasts
What is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a widely used scientific method to estimate body composition.
It works by sending a tiny, completely harmless electric signal through your body to gauge its resistance and reactance levels. This current passes more freely through hydrated muscle tissue and extracellular water, but struggles to pass through fat and bone.
By calculating the speed of electrical conduction, the BIA device estimates metrics like body fat, muscle mass, water composition, and more. Medical-grade machines use multiple frequencies and proprietary algorithms to provide exceptional accuracy.
8 Body Metrics Measured by the Amazfit Composition Scale
The key value proposition of this mat is its ability to measure and track 8 body composition parameters:
- Weight – Total body weight in kg or lbs.
- Body Fat % – Fat mass as a % of total weight.
- Muscle Mass – Total weight of muscle tissue.
- Bone Mass – Mineral density and weight of bones.
- Water Content – Hydration as a % of total weight.
- Visceral Fat – Hazardous fat around organs.
- Basal Metabolic Rate – Minimum daily calories burned.
- Metabolic Age – Biological vs chronological age.
These metrics provide a far more complete picture of health and fitness than just your weight. Let’s examine each one:
1. Weight
Tracking weight consistently over time lets you quickly spot gains, losses and plateaus. This data then informs diet, training and lifestyle adjustments.
2. Body Fat Percentage
Body fat % quantifies adipose tissue mass. Women need 10-13% body fat, men need 6-17% to stay fit. Lower body fat reduces diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer risks.
3. Muscle Mass
Higher muscle mass elevates metabolism, regulates blood sugar, boosts strength, mobility and lifespan. It indicates total skeletal muscle weight.
4. Bone Mineral Density
Bone mass peaks around age 30, then gradually declines, raising osteoporosis risks. Building bone density early via nutrition, exercise and lifestyle makes them fracture-resistant.
5. Water Content
Hydration level impacts energy, immunity, organ function, skin health, metabolism, mental clarity and workout recovery. Even mild dehydration causes serious issues.
6. Visceral Fat
Fat encasing organs promotes inflammation, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease. Limiting visceral fat is vital for longevity.
7. Basal Metabolic Rate
Your basal metabolic rate represents the minimum daily calories needed for essential body functions at rest. This data helps set realistic weight loss/gain goals.
8. Metabolic Age
Your metabolic vs chronological age compares your BMR to normal benchmarks. A lower metabolic age = faster metabolism and calorie burning.
How To Use The Amazfit Body Composition Analyzer Mat
Using this mat takes just seconds:
- Install the Zepp app and connect to your Amazfit smartwatch.
- Step barefoot onto the mat and stand still for the scan.
- Data uploads automatically via Bluetooth to the app.
- The app displays and tracks all metrics.
For best accuracy, maintain consistent weigh-in conditions and enter correct age, gender and fitness data.
Accuracy of the Amazfit Smart Scale
No home body fat scales can perfectly match $10,000+ medical DEXA devices used in hospitals and universities.
However, tests show the Amazfit mat provides reasonably good estimates for most people. Its muscle mass and water readings come within 90-95% of pricier high-end scales.
But accuracy still depends greatly on proper usage habits and keeping your user profile up to date in the app.
What Affects The Precision?
Variables impacting bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) accuracy include:
- Dehydration – Avoid before weighing.
- Eating/drinking – Adds weight, changes results.
- Strenuous exercise – Wait several hours after.
- Incorrect user data – Age, gender, height.
- Pregnancy – Rapid changes.
- Certain illnesses / medical devices – Interfere with electrical signal.
Using proper protocol and keeping your profile updated improves precision.
Who is The Amazfit Body Composition Scale Best For?
This mat benefits fitness enthusiasts, athletes, bodybuilders, casual exercisers, and any health-conscious individual wanting more insightful data than a normal scale provides.
It cannot medically diagnose or treat conditions. But the metrics inform smarter diet, training and lifestyle choices to hit health goals.
Use Cases
Examples of specific use cases:
- Dieters – Optimize nutrition for quicker, safer fat loss.
- Athletes – Time training and fueling to boost performance.
- Bodybuilders – Perfect bulking and cutting phases.
- Aging adults – Catch muscle/bone loss early to prevent injury.
- New mothers – Monitor postpartum changes to support development.
- General users – Reduce disease risk indicators to improve longevity.
Amazfit Body Composition Scale Mat: Pros vs Cons
Before buying, weigh the advantages and limitations:
Pros
- Measures 8 insightful metrics unavailable on normal scales
- Easy to set up and integrate with Amazfit ecosystem
- Comfortable high-quality tempered glass
- Compact size, operates wirelessly
- Costs far less than medical-grade devices
- Data helps users make better diet and training decisions
Cons
- Not 100% as accurate as $5000+ hospital analyzers
- Requires proper testing conditions and user data input
- Subject to normal limitations of bioelectrical impedance analysis
- Not yet available worldwide
The Verdict – A Valuable Fitness Tool for Data Lovers
The Amazfit body composition scale mat earns a strong recommendation for quantified fitness buffs. Reasonably accurate metrics not available on normal scales help optimize your diet, training, recovery and overall health.
It deserves a spot in every smart home gym. Easy to use daily, sleek aesthetics, and seamless integration with Amazfit watches make it a no brainer buy for under $100.
While not 100% perfect, consistency and smart use will help move you closer to your body goals.
Add Comment